Maura Derrane urges Leitrim women to prioritize heart health

RTÉ Today host Maura Derrane is calling on women in Leitrim to take their heart health seriously as part of the Irish Heart Foundation’s ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign. New research reveals only half of women recognize the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, and 28% have never had a heart health check.
An Ipsos survey, commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation, also found 70% of people wrongly believe that breast cancer is a bigger threat than heart disease and stroke. In reality, women are six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer.

“One in four women dies from heart disease and stroke, just like men, but women often neglect their own heart health,” Derrane said. “They are caught up taking care of others. I want women in Leitrim to listen to their bodies, know the symptoms, and talk to their doctors if something feels wrong.”

Dr. Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director with the Irish Heart Foundation, emphasized the alarming gap in awareness. “Women are six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer, yet it’s not seen as a women’s issue. We need women to be more proactive about their heart health,” she said.

The survey found that only 41% of women had spoken to a healthcare professional about their heart in the last year, while 28% have never done so. Dr. Brown urged women, especially those over 50, to recognize symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or extreme fatigue.

Sarah O’Brien from the HSE noted that lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and eating healthier, could prevent up to 80% of cardiovascular diseases and strokes.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly praised the campaign for raising awareness of women’s heart health.

To support the campaign, the Irish Heart Foundation is hosting a free webinar on October 1st, Her Heart Matters 2024: What Every Woman Needs to Know, chaired by Maura Derrane. The webinar will cover practical advice on preventing and managing heart disease and stroke.

For more information and to register, visit irishheart.ie.