Free heart health checks at Galway roadshow
THE Heart Failure Awareness Roadshow is set to visit Galway this Thursday in the Knocknacarra Shopping Centre.
The pop-up event runs from 10:30am to 2:30pm and is organised by the Irish Heart Foundation, heart and stroke charity Croí, and the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses.
Heart failure affects one in five adults and is the leading cause of hospitalisation in over-65s. However, knowledge and symptom recognition of the condition remains low in Ireland.
Thursday’s event aims to raise the understanding of the serious condition and demonstrate how patients can be supported to get their lives back on track post-diagnosis.
Members of the public will be offered free blood pressure and heart health checks in the Croí mobile health unit. Specialist heart failure nurses will be on hand to offer advice on recognising the signs and symptoms, information on living with heart failure and signposting local support services.
“Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped; it means it is not pumping blood as effectively as it should. Neither does it mean the end of life: with early diagnosis, treatment, and support, people can live well,” stated Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director at the Irish Heart Foundation.
“Awareness of heart failure symptoms and how the condition can be managed is low. This is why raising awareness at a community level is critical.
“By meeting people on streets, in shopping centres and local hubs, we can make heart health information more accessible and impactful.”
The roadshows aim to educate the public on crucial warning signs including breathlessness, fatigue, swollen ankles or legs and rapid weight gain —while encouraging people to better protect their heart health.
“Heart failure can be a life-altering condition, but with early diagnosis and the right support, people can live well,” commented Dr Lisa Hynes, Head of Health Programmes at Croí.
“Through this campaign and our community roadshow, we want to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to recognise symptoms early and seek help.”
The campaign also highlights the essential role of specialist heart failure nurses in improving patient outcomes and providing ongoing care and support.
“Heart failure nurses are at the frontline of patient care,” stated Emer Burke, Heart Failure Nurse Specialist and President of the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses.
“This initiative not only raises awareness but also showcases the importance of expert-led, patient-centred care,” she concluded.