4,000 people in Leitrim living with heart and stroke conditions
Irish Heart Foundation warns many people may be unaware of their risk until a serious cardiac event occurs
An estimated 4,000 people in Leitrim are living with heart and stroke conditions, as a new campaign urges people to take small steps to protect their heart health.
Around 16 people suffer a heart attack every day in Ireland, while a further 20 have a stroke.
Cardiovascular disease accounts for around one in four deaths, but the Irish Heart Foundation says 80% of early heart disease and stroke can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
The charity is rolling out its ‘Love Your Heart’ campaign during September, focusing on eight measures that can help reduce the risk.
These include managing stress, eating for a healthy heart, moving more, quitting smoking and vaping, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, aiming for a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol and taking prescribed medication.
However, the charity has warned that many people may have no idea they are at risk.
“75% 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 Irish Heart Foundation.
“Everyone has the power to prevent serious heart events by taking steps now.”
Heart patient Mark Sherry, 68, is also urging people to take their cardiovascular health seriously after suffering heart disease and a heart attack and undergoing numerous procedures, including having 19 stents inserted.
The father-of-two first experienced intense chest pain and shortness of breath while at the gym in 2006. Doctors discovered blockages in his main coronary artery and diagnosed him with heart disease.
Ten years later, while horse riding alone, he suffered a “full blown heart attack”.
“I had no indication that there was anything wrong,” he said.
“Many of us might think we are bulletproof, and I know I could have reduced the risk of this happening to me.”
Mr Sherry subsequently changed his career, improved his diet, remained physically active and stopped drinking alcohol.
“Following these steps could mean the difference between a healthy, functioning heart or a lifetime of checks, stents, scans and major life changes.”