Take small steps for a happier heart

PEOPLE in Galway are being urged to take small steps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke under the Irish Heart Foundation’s new campaign.

The national charity is rolling out its ‘Love Your Heart’ campaign, focusing on eight lifestyle measures which can help lower the risk of both conditions.

According to the charity, around 16 people in Ireland have a heart attack every day, and a further 20 have a stroke. There are an estimated 32,000 heart and stroke patients in Galway.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in both men and women, accounting for almost one fourth of all deaths.

Irish Heart Foundation wants to empower the public to be aware of eight small steps which can deliver profound benefits to cardiovascular health.

They include managing stress, eating for a healthy heart, moving more, quitting smoking and vaping, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, aiming for your best weight, drinking less alcohol and taking your prescribed medication.

Deputy CEO and Director of Services at Irish Heart Foundation Janis Morrissey noted that making small changes in lifestyle can be an investment, but it comes with a massive return on our future heart health.

“A total of 75 per cent 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 Ms Morrissey.

“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,” she added.