LONDON, October 20, 2026: British television presenter Davina McCall has revealed that she has cardiovascular disease, using a podcast conversation to highlight the importance of heart health, particularly among women.
The 59-year-old former Big Brother host disclosed her diagnosis during an episode of her podcast, Begin Again, while speaking with heart attack survivor Louise McGill about cardiovascular health and the need for greater awareness.
“I wanted to let you know, I also have cardiovascular disease, and this is a very important conversation to have,” McCall said.
The announcement comes after McCall faced other serious health challenges in recent years, including surgery to remove a rare, benign brain tumour in 2024 and a subsequent breast cancer diagnosis.
What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), these include coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, aortic disease and stroke.
One common underlying cause is the buildup of fatty deposits inside arteries, which can narrow blood vessels and restrict blood flow.
The condition can develop without obvious symptoms, making awareness of risk factors and appropriate medical assessments important.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight and physical inactivity.
Other risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Increasing age
- A family history of cardiovascular disease
- Certain ethnic backgrounds, including South Asian, Black African and African Caribbean communities
The NHS notes that cardiovascular disease becomes more common with age and that men generally face a higher risk than women, although women can also develop serious heart conditions.
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Symptoms vary depending on the type of cardiovascular disease, and some people may experience no noticeable warning signs.
Possible symptoms of coronary heart disease include:
- Chest pain or discomfort, known as angina
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, jaw or arms
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Nausea
Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath or other possible heart attack symptoms requires immediate medical attention. Anyone experiencing signs of a possible heart attack should contact emergency services without delay.
Lifestyle Changes Can Help Reduce Risk
Healthy habits can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and support the management of existing conditions.
Recommended measures include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol.
People at increased risk may also require medical treatment. Statins, for example, can help lower cholesterol when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
McCall’s disclosure has brought renewed attention to a health issue that can affect people of different ages and backgrounds. Her decision to discuss the diagnosis publicly also highlights the importance of conversations about cardiovascular health and recognising when medical advice is needed.
