Heart attack survivor Mark Sherry pictured with Janis Morrissey, Deputy CEO and Director of Services at the Irish Heart Foundation’s Love Your Heart campaign.
People are being encouraged to make small changes to help reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke as part of the Irish Heart Foundation’s annual Heart Month campaign.
The charity estimates that there are around 16,000 heart and stroke patients in Louth and is using its September Love Your Heart campaign to highlight eight measures people can take to improve their cardiovascular health.
According to the Irish Heart Foundation, around 16 people have a heart attack in Ireland every day, while a further 20 have a stroke.
Cardiovascular disease accounts for around a quarter of all deaths in Ireland, but the charity says 80% of early heart disease and stroke can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
Eight steps for heart health
The Irish Heart Foundation is encouraging people to consider eight areas of their health:
- managing stress
- eating for a healthy heart
- moving more
- quitting smoking and vaping
- monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
- aiming for their best weight
- drinking less alcohol
- taking prescribed medication
Janis Morrissey, Deputy CEO and Director of Services at the Irish Heart Foundation, said many people may not realise they are at risk.
“A total of 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,” she said.
“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.”
Heart attack survivor shares his experience
The campaign is also sharing the experience of 68-year-old Mark Sherry, who has undergone extensive treatment for heart disease, including having 19 stents inserted.
The father of two was in his forties when he experienced intense chest pain and shortness of breath during a gym session in 2006.
A cardiologist subsequently identified blockages in his main coronary artery and he was diagnosed with heart disease.
Ten years later, while horse riding alone, he suffered a heart attack.
“I thought I’d be gone at this stage but I’m doing better than I had anticipated,” he said.
Mr Sherry, an accountant from Delgany in Co Wicklow, later made a number of changes to his lifestyle.
He changed career after recognising the impact of what he described as an “unsustainable” stressful lifestyle, improved his diet, remained physically active and stopped drinking alcohol.
He now works as Head of Finance and Procurement at the National Museum of Ireland.
He said support from his cardiology team, cardiac rehabilitation at St Vincent’s University Hospital and services provided by the Irish Heart Foundation had played an important part in his recovery.
“Many of us might think we are bulletproof, and I know I could have reduced the risk of this happening to me,” he said.
“I had no indication that there was anything wrong.
“Following these steps could mean the difference between a healthy, functioning heart or a lifetime of checks, stents, scans and major life changes.”
Encouraging people to take stock
Sarah O’Brien of the HSE’s Healthy Eating & Active Living Programme, Health & Wellbeing, said Heart Month provides an opportunity for people to consider changes they could make.
“This new campaign is very welcome. 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 every one of us,” she said.
“It 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.”
She added that supports are available through the Irish Heart Foundation and HSE for people looking for help with physical activity, quitting smoking, healthier eating, reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress.
The Irish Heart Foundation says the aim of the campaign is not to encourage people to overhaul their lives overnight, but to make small, realistic changes that can improve heart health over time.
