'It's knowing the signs and not being ashamed': Gemma Atkinson reveals her personal health fears after losing father David to a heart attack when she was 17

Gemma Atkinson discussed concerns regarding her health on Wednesday as she reflected on her father David's death to a heart attack when she was 17. 

The former Hollyoaks actress, 36, revealed his death at the young age of 52 took her whole family by surprise and made her reflect on her own mortality. 

Speaking on Steph’s Packed Lunch, she declared the experience made her realise she needs to look out for health issues and not feel 'ashamed' of attending the doctors. 

Gemma said: 'My dad passed away from a heart attack. He was 52. My dad had chest pains for about four to five days. But, because he was physically so healthy, it was the last thing on his mind. 

'One weekend, we went to a racetrack with him, and again he got the chest pains. 

'The following day at work his colleague found him hunched over his desk. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t move. They rung the ambulance and said "he’s having a heart attack."'

Discussing the moment she discovered her father died, Gemma continued: 'They took him to the hospital and two or three days later they said he was going to be "OK". 

'We prepared for him to come home, and then that evening my mum came into my room and said that the hospital had called – he’d had another massive heart attack in his sleep and that had killed him.'

Gemma then spoke to host Steph McGovern about the importance of awareness regarding heart attack symptoms. She said: 'It’s knowing the signs and the triggers and not being ashamed. 

'My father would have had to have his leg hanging off to go to the doctors. And we all should have said go. But because he was so strong, we didn’t think anything of it.'

She went to express her concerns over having a possible congenital heart condition.

Gemma added: 'I’ve never had a full heart check and I am definitely going to get it done. My granddad died as well of heart disease. But it has got me thinking now, I’ve got my daughter. 

'Never feeling ashamed or embarrassed about going and getting checked. Your life is not worth gambling with. The NHS is great and there for a reason. Don’t be afraid to get help.'

Also on Wednesday's edition of the daytime show, Gemma revealed her mother took her to the doctors when she was 17 to get contraception, as she encouraged open discussions between parents and children. 

She said: 'My mum took me to the doctors to put me on the contraceptive pill. 

'I think it’s great the conversation’s been had. I would love to think I could have that conversation with my daughter.

'Just before I was turning 17, my mum had the chat with me. And my mum actually took me to the doctors to put me on the contraceptive pill. That was great that she did that.'

Gemma is the mother to daughter Mia, who she shares with Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Márquez. 

Steph’s Packed Lunch airs weekdays at 12.30pm on Channel 4.