Fleetwood Mac singer Christine McVie died in November 2022 at the age of 79.
In a statement shared at the time of her death, her family said: “It is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death.
“She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family.
“We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally.”
Since her death it was revealed that her death certificate reported Christine passed away following a stroke.
The certificate specified that the musician suffered an ischaemic stroke – the most common form of the condition.
This occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
Cancer was also listed as a secondary cause of her death.
Christine had previously been diagnosed with “metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin (MUO),” which means cancer had spread in her body where the primary source or tumour is not detected.
How to tell if someone is suffering from a stroke
The signs of a stroke vary depending on the person, but usually “begin suddenly”, according to the NHS.
“As different parts of your brain control different parts of your body, your symptoms will depend on the part of your brain affected and the extent of the damage,” the health body says.
The main signs of a stroke can be easily remembered with the acronym FAST:
- Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped
- Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm
- Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them
- Time – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
If you think someone is experiencing a stroke it is vital you call 999 as soon as possible.
Other, less common, symptoms of a stroke include:
- Complete paralysis of 1 side of the body
- Sudden loss or blurring of vision
- Being or feeling sick
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Difficulty understanding what others are saying
- Problems with balance and co-ordination
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- A sudden and very severe headache resulting in a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before
- Loss of consciousness.
Certain factors can increase the risk of an ischemic stroke. These include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Obesity
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol intake.
However, another possible cause is a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.
The NHS explains: “This can cause blood clots in the heart that break apart and end up in the blood vessels that supply the brain.”
Christine’s death certificate stated that she has been suffering from atrial fibrillation prior to her death.
In the monthe before her death, Christine told Rolling Stone: “I’m in quite bad health. I’ve got a chronic back problem that debilitates me.
“I stand up to play the piano, so I don’t know if I could actually physically do it. What’s that saying? The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak.”