In a candid conversation about her health, Davina McCall, the well-known television presenter, has shared her personal experience with cardiovascular disease, drawing attention to an issue that predominantly affects women. Speaking on her podcast “Begin Again,” McCall, who is 59, revealed her diagnosis in an episode aired on October 18, alongside heart attack survivor Louise McGill.
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Cardiovascular disease is considered the leading cause of death worldwide, and its impact on women is particularly alarming, with one in three women estimated to die from the condition. During her podcast discussion, McCall stressed the importance of awareness surrounding this health issue, noting that many women may not recognise the risks associated with cardiovascular disease. “I wanted to let you know, I also have cardiovascular disease, and this is a very important conversation to have,” she remarked to McGill.
McCall is no stranger to serious health challenges; she previously underwent surgery to have a brain tumour removed and faced a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer, which she disclosed in November 2025. Her recent revelations come as a continuation of her efforts to raise awareness about women’s health issues, especially concerning heart health.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Symptoms often present differently in women compared to men, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Common signs of the disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. However, women often experience more subtle symptoms, which can exacerbate the underestimation of this serious health risk, as highlighted by Dr. Sriranjan Rothwell, who joined the conversation on McCall’s podcast.
Dr. Rothwell pointed out that historically, heart attacks have been deemed a man’s ailment, emphasising the need to change this narrative. He stated, “Cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease is the biggest killer of women worldwide.” McCall echoed this sentiment, expressing her concern that many women remain unaware of their vulnerability to heart diseases.
The timing of McCall’s announcement is particularly poignant. Just a year prior, she made headlines for her breast cancer diagnosis after discovering a lump during a routine check. Thankfully, the cancer was detected early, and she successfully underwent a lumpectomy. “I’m so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it hasn’t spread,” McCall shared during an Instagram update.
Adding to her health journey, McCall was first diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in November 2024. This diagnosis prompted her to confront her mortality and consider how she could embrace life amid uncertainty. Reflecting on this moment, McCall previously stated, “I thought, ‘I have to come to terms with the fact that I might not make it, so what do I have to do to make that okay?’”
Through her experiences, McCall has become an advocate for raising awareness about the critical importance of health checks and early detection in women. Her insistence on having these conversations marks an essential shift in how society perceives and discusses women’s cardiovascular health.
As she continues to share her story, McCall is not only shining a light on her own struggles but is also encouraging a broader discourse about women’s health issues. Many listeners have expressed gratitude for her openness, noting that her willingness to discuss these serious topics could help save lives.
In an era where awareness can significantly alter outcomes, Davina McCall’s advocacy for heart health and her personal journey exemplify the importance of understanding and addressing cardiovascular disease in women. By sparking these vital conversations, she hopes to empower other women to take charge of their health and recognise the signs of heart disease.