Heart disease may be the nation’s biggest killer, but with preventative measures, lifestyle changes and regular checks, it can be managed.Our reporter asks the experts what we can do to stave off the disease and mind our heart health.
In Ireland, heart disease is serious business. Obesity is on the rise, many of us lead sedentary lifestyles, eat, drink and be merry to excess, and fail to look after our bodies in the way we know we should. However heart disease can be preventable, even in those with a family history. Diet is the main foundation of a healthy heart, but there are so many other lifestyle and genetic factors to take in to account. Read on, and find out just how to keep your heart as healthy as possible.
1 Heart disease is Ireland’s number one killer
Around 10,000 people die here every year from cardiovascular disease, according to the Irish Heart Foundation. This includes coronary heart disease, the most common cause of death in Ireland. Shockingly, CVD is responsible for 33pc of all fatalities in this country, with 5,000 from CHD each year.
2 Coronary heart disease can affect anyone
Although age is a massive factor with heart disease, lifestyle factors and a family history can also play a big part. Dr Robert Kelly, head of cardiology at the Beacon Hospital, says anyone who is a bit worried about the disease should be checked out. “Often heart conditions only get picked up when you have a check up or a medical, when the doctor senses an abnormality and has a closer look. Everyone over 40 should really be getting checked regularly, and anyone whose close family member has had a heart attack.”
3 It’s the biggest risk to Irish women...
Heart disease and CVD are the biggest killers of Irish women, particularly those who are post-menopausal. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, women tend to fear breast cancer, but the risk is higher with heart disease even though the typical onset is about a decade later than in men. “Irish people in general are worse at presenting with symptoms,” says Dr Kelly. “But at least women talk to one another about their health. If you’re feeling in any way unwell, get checked out.”
Source: Vicki Notaro, Irish Independent, 29/02/16
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