Davina McCall, the well-known advocate for women’s fitness and health, has publicly shared her experience with cardiovascular disease (CVD), drawing attention to a health risk that is often underestimated in women, particularly after menopause. The 59-year-old television presenter revealed in a recent episode of her podcast, Begin Again, that she has been living with high cholesterol for several years, underscoring the prevalence of heart disease among postmenopausal women.
Cardiovascular disease encompasses several conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and aortic diseases. These conditions collectively account for approximately one-quarter of all deaths in the United Kingdom, or about 170,000 fatalities annually. More than eight million people in the UK are impacted by CVD, with over half of those affected being women.
Despite these statistics, public concern among women tends to focus more on breast cancer, a risk that is significantly lower compared to coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease alone causes more than twice as many deaths among women in the UK as breast cancer, although it is still commonly perceived as a predominantly male issue. Research shows that women are 50 percent more likely than men to receive an incorrect initial diagnosis following a heart attack and often delay seeking medical assistance.
The risk of CVD escalates sharply for women during midlife as estrogen levels decline during menopause. Estrogen is believed to protect blood vessels and help regulate cholesterol levels. Data from a large American study found that levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” surge significantly during the year surrounding a woman’s final menstrual period.
A critical challenge with cardiovascular disease is its often silent progression. Conditions such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol typically produce no symptoms, leading to late-stage diagnosis. Common signs of a heart attack in women include chest pain or tightness, but symptoms can also manifest as shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, light-headedness, or pain radiating to the arm, jaw, neck, or back. Angina, characterized by chest discomfort triggered by exertion and relieved by rest, can also indicate narrowing arteries.
Davina McCall shared a related anecdote about a woman in her 50s initially treated for panic attacks but ultimately diagnosed with angina after a more detailed assessment. This case illustrates the importance of careful symptom evaluation and timely referrals to specialized cardiac clinics.
Untreated cardiovascular disease can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and vascular dementia. However, much of the risk can be managed through lifestyle changes and early medical intervention. Dietary recommendations include adopting a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, oily fish, and healthy fats, while reducing saturated fat, salt, and processed foods. Maintaining physical activity—aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week plus strength training—is also advised, alongside smoking cessation and alcohol moderation.
Women between the ages of 40 and 74 without existing heart conditions are entitled to a free NHS Health Check every five years to evaluate their cardiovascular health. Those with elevated risk scores may be offered statin therapy, which experts encourage patients to consider seriously despite misinformation circulating online.
McCall’s disclosure serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance regarding heart health, particularly in midlife women, and aims to encourage more women to take proactive steps in assessing and reducing their cardiovascular risk.