Christine McVie’s Death Certificate Sheds Light on Sad Details

The recent release of Christine McVie’s death certificate has shed light on the sad details surrounding the health struggles that plagued the iconic Fleetwood Mac member in her final years. The certificate reveals the cause of her passing as bilateral renal infarction and ischemic stroke, with metastatic cancer as a secondary cause. This revelation has provided insight into the health issues the singer-songwriter faced and the complexities that contributed to her untimely demise.

Just months before her passing, Christine McVie spoke to Rolling Stone about her declining health. She acknowledged being in a state of significant physical deterioration, which hindered her ability to tour and perform live due to her scoliosis.

She candidly expressed,

“I don’t feel physically up for it.”

Health Challenges and Contributing Factors

According to the death certificate, McVie battled metastatic cancer, which remained unidentified in terms of its primary source. The document also highlights bilateral renal infarction, indicating the blockage of blood flow to both kidneys. Ischemic stroke, a condition where blood flow to the brain is obstructed, was identified as the primary cause of her death. Furthermore, a large atrial thrombus, or blood clot in the heart’s atrium, along with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart arrhythmia, were listed as contributing factors.

Understanding Ischemic Stroke and Atrial Thrombus

Ischemic stroke, as experienced by McVie, occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Immediate medical attention is crucial for survival. Bilateral renal infarction suggests that blood flow to both kidneys was blocked. These conditions are severe and often life-threatening.

A large atrial thrombus, mentioned in the death certificate, refers to a blood clot in the heart’s atrium. This condition can be fatal, particularly when combined with a pulmonary embolism. Additionally, AFib, a prevalent heart rhythm disorder, significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke. Sadly, AFib death rates had been on the rise in the United States in the years leading up to McVie’s passing.

Metastatic Cancer and Unknown Origin

McVie’s death certificate also indicates the presence of metastatic malignancy of unknown origin. This suggests that cancer cells had spread throughout her body, although the source of the cancer remained unidentified. Approximately 2% to 5% of all cancer cases fall into the category of malignancies of unknown origin, presenting challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Although not mentioned in the death certificate, McVie had previously disclosed her struggle with scoliosis. While scoliosis alone is typically not life-threatening, certain untreated forms may be associated with cardiovascular complications. The exact nature of McVie’s scoliosis remains undisclosed, but it is clear that it contributed to significant health problems in her final years.

During her interview with Rolling Stone in 2022, Christine McVie discussed the likelihood of her returning to the stage for another concert, stating:

“The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Christine McVie’s passing marked the end of an era for Fleetwood Mac and the music industry as a whole. Her last performance with the band was in 2019 at Dreamfest in San Francisco, while her final solo appearance was in 2020 at a tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s founding member, Peter Green. McVie’s bandmates, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside her in 1998, released a heartfelt statement, emphasizing her role as a cherished friend and musician.

“[McVie was] the best friend anyone could have in their life”