TV presenter Davina McCall has recently revealed that she is living with cardiovascular disease, bringing renewed attention to an important conversation about women’s heart health, particularly during and after menopause.
Speaking on her Begin Again podcast in October 2026, in an episode created in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, Davina opened up about her diagnosis and her experience of living with high cholesterol.
Her announcement highlights an important message: cardiovascular disease can affect anyone, including women who otherwise feel fit, active and healthy.
At Midland Health, our specialist cardiology team understands the importance of recognising potential heart health concerns, identifying cardiovascular risk factors and providing personalised medical assessment.
Whether you have a family history of heart disease, have concerns about your cholesterol or blood pressure, or are experiencing unexplained symptoms, understanding your cardiovascular health is an important part of protecting your long-term wellbeing.
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term used to describe conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
According to the NHS, cardiovascular disease encompasses several conditions, including:
- Coronary heart disease: When the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed by fatty deposits, potentially causing angina or a heart attack.
- Stroke: When the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted.
- Peripheral arterial disease: When narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to areas such as the legs.
- Aortic disease: Conditions affecting the aorta, the body’s main artery.
Some cardiovascular conditions develop gradually and may not produce noticeable symptoms in their early stages.
Factors that can increase cardiovascular risk include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, increasing age and a family history of heart disease.
Understanding these factors can help patients and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about investigations, treatment and preventative care.
Why is cardiovascular health particularly important for women?
Heart disease is often mistakenly associated primarily with men. However, cardiovascular disease is a significant health concern for women too.
A woman’s cardiovascular risk can change throughout her life, particularly during menopause.
Menopause and its impact on heart health
During menopause, declining oestrogen levels are associated with changes that can affect the heart and blood vessels.
These changes may include:
- Increased cholesterol levels: Changes in cholesterol profiles can increase the risk of fatty deposits developing within arteries.
- Higher blood pressure: Blood pressure can increase with age and around the menopausal transition.
- Changes in body fat distribution: Increased abdominal fat may contribute to cardiovascular risk.
- Changes in blood sugar regulation: These may increase the likelihood of developing metabolic conditions associated with heart disease.
Although menopause does not automatically mean a woman will develop cardiovascular disease, it is an important stage of life for reviewing individual risk factors.
Meet Dr Deepak Goyal, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Midland Health
At Midland Health, our specialist cardiology clinic is led by Dr Deepak Goyal, an experienced Consultant Interventional Cardiologist with more than 20 years of experience in adult cardiology.
Alongside his work at Midland Health, Dr Goyal is an NHS Consultant Cardiologist at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Having trained in the West Midlands, Dr Goyal has extensive experience in cardiac evaluation, investigations and coronary intervention, with a particular specialist interest in interventional cardiology.
His clinical expertise includes the investigation and management of:
- Chest pain and angina
- Breathlessness and heart palpitations
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia)
- Coronary artery disease
- Fainting and unexplained dizziness
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
Dr Goyal is also extensively trained in transthoracic echocardiography, a non-invasive ultrasound examination used to assess the heart’s structure and function.
Take the next step towards understanding your heart health
Davina McCall’s openness about her cardiovascular disease diagnosis serves as a reminder that heart health is an important conversation for women of all ages.
Recognising your risk factors, understanding potential warning signs and seeking medical advice when appropriate can make a meaningful difference to your long-term health.
At Midland Health, our private Heart Health Checks and specialist cardiology consultations provide access to professional assessment, investigations and personalised advice.
Whether you are concerned about high cholesterol, approaching menopause or experiencing symptoms you would like investigated, our team is here to help you understand the next steps.
Your heart health matters. Let us help you take care of it.
Book a private cardiology consultation in Birmingham
Explore our Cardiology Services or Book an instant cardiology appointment
Call: 0121 769 0999
Visit: Midland Health, 78–79 Francis Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8SP
