People in Galway have been urged to take small steps to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.
Around 16 people have a heart attack in Ireland every day, and a further 20 have a stroke.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in both men and women – accounting for a quarter of all deaths – but 80 per cent of early heart disease and stroke is preventable through lifestyle changes.
In Galway, there are an estimated 32,000 heart and stroke patients – and during September, the Irish Heart Foundation is rolling out its ‘Love Your Heart’ campaign, focusing on eight lifestyle measures which can help lower the risk of both conditions.
The national stroke and heart charity says it wants to empower the public to be aware of eight small steps which can deliver profound benefits to cardiovascular health.
They include managing stress, eating for a healthy heart, moving more, quitting smoking and vaping, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, aiming for your best weight, drinking less alcohol and taking your prescribed medication.
“A total of 75 per cent of people who had heart attacks in Ireland between 2017 and 2020 did not know they had any risk factors, so were completely oblivious to the dangers,” said Janis Morrissey, deputy CEO and director of services at the charity.
“Everyone has the power to prevent serious heart events by taking steps now.
“We recognise that heart health is shaped by many factors beyond individual choice, including where we grow up and our access to green spaces, clean air, education and healthcare. But we’d urge the public to make small changes where possible, it is an investment but a massive return on your future heart health.”
“This new campaign is very welcome,” said Sarah O’Brien, HSE Healthy Eating & Active Living Programme. “With a broad focus on increasing awareness of the eight steps we can take to reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke, it is relevant to everyone of us.
“And is a timely prompt to pause, take stock and learn more about the small steps we can take to improve our health now and into the future. It is also an opportunity to find out about the supports available from the Irish Heart Foundation and HSE to help with moving more, quitting smoking, eating healthier, reducing alcohol and managing stress.”
Find out more at irishheart.ie
