Davina McCall's blunt warning on heart health after menopause

Saying 'I thought I was invincible' carries a different weight when the speaker has already beaten a brain tumour and breast cancer. Davina McCall, 58, used her podcast Begin About to share a new diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. It is a harsh reminder that surviving one medical crisis does not grant immunity from the next.

This news follows what she called her 'hardest year,' which included surgery for a benign brain tumour in late 2024 and a subsequent breast cancer diagnosis. Now that those battles are behind her, she is confronting a reality many women ignore until it becomes critical. Her story serves as an urgent signal for women navigating the post menopause landscape.

The vulnerability of surviving

McCall’s admission feels raw because it clashes with her public persona as a fitness icon. She described the sudden shift in perspective that accompanies serious illness. 'Anyone can get sick and when I had my cancer experience, you just suddenly feel vulnerable in a way you weren’t before,' she told her listeners. That sense of invincibility shatters quickly when the body starts failing in unexpected ways.

This vulnerability is compounded by the fact that her cardiovascular issues were not entirely new. In 2021, she shared that she was at risk of heart disease and had high cholesterol. She even admitted to looking at her GP and asking if it was a mistake when told her levels were high. Despite maintaining a slim figure and active lifestyle, the underlying risk persisted, eventually manifesting as a formal diagnosis.

The menopause connection

The timing of this announcement is significant. It coincides with World Menopause Day and a partnership with the British Heart Foundation. The link between menopause and heart health is often underdiscussed, yet it is critical. Oestrogen provides a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, and when levels drop during menopause, that protection diminishes. This leaves women more susceptible to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other risk factors for heart disease.

McCall’s experience highlights how high cholesterol can be a silent precursor to more serious issues. She noted that her previous high cholesterol results were sometimes dismissed or considered less concerning because she also had high levels of good cholesterol. This nuance is important. It is not just about one number on a lab report, but the overall picture of cardiovascular health. Women need to be informed about how menopause changes their risk profile and take proactive steps to manage it.

A cautionary tale from a 45 year old

To drive the point home, McCall spoke with Louise McGill, a woman who suffered a heart attack at 45. McGill had undergone a routine health check just ten weeks prior and was considered at low risk. She had even completed a 5k run a month before her heart attack. This case underscores the unpredictability of cardiovascular disease and the limitations of standard screening methods.

McCall recognized parallels between her own history and McGill’s experience. Both had high cholesterol that was not treated with the urgency it perhaps deserved. The takeaway is not to panic, but to be vigilant. If something feels wrong, listen to your body. Do not brush off symptoms or rely solely on a single health check. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol is essential, especially for women in the post menopause years.

What you can do now

The practical advice from McCall is straightforward. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. If something feels off, do not ignore it. She urged women not to brush things off, a phrase that resonates with so many who have lived with subtle symptoms for years. Small changes in diet, such as reducing saturated fats and switching to semi skimmed milk, can make a difference over time.

McCall’s journey is a testament to the importance of listening to your body and seeking help when needed. Her story is a reminder that health is not a static state but a dynamic process that requires ongoing attention. By sharing her diagnosis, she is empowering women to take charge of their heart health and seek the medical care they need. This is not just about avoiding disease, but about living a full and vibrant life.

A call to action

The conversation around women’s heart health needs to be more prominent. Menopause is a major life event that brings significant physiological changes, yet it is often treated as a minor inconvenience. McCall’s platform allows her to reach millions, and her message is clear: do not ignore your heart. The combination of her personal story and the broader public health message makes this a critical moment for raising awareness.

As we move forward, it is essential that women advocate for their own health. This means having open conversations with their doctors, understanding their risk factors, and making informed decisions about their lifestyle. McCall’s story is a powerful catalyst for change, and it is up to all of us to ensure that her message is heard and acted upon. The time to take action is now.