Waterford residents urged to take steps to protect heart health
Heart patient Mark Sherry, pictured with Janis Morrissey, Deputy CEO and Director of Services at the Irish Heart Foundation.
Around 15,000 people in Waterford are living with heart disease or have survived a stroke, according to the Irish Heart Foundation, which is encouraging people to take simple steps to protect their heart health.
The charity is highlighting the issue as part of its annual Love Your Heart campaign, running throughout September and focusing on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through lifestyle changes.
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Ireland, accounting for around one in four deaths nationwide.
Every day, an average of 16 people suffer a heart attack, while a further 20 have a stroke. The Irish Heart Foundation says many of these cases could be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices.
Research cited by the charity suggests that up to 80 per cent of early heart disease and stroke cases are preventable.
The organisation is encouraging people to focus on small changes, such as eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, reducing alcohol consumption and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The foundation has also warned that many people may be unaware of the risks to their heart health until they experience a serious medical event.
According to the charity, 75 per cent of people who suffered a heart attack in Ireland between 2017 and 2020 did not know they had any risk factors.
Janis Morrissey, Deputy CEO and Director of Services with the Irish Heart Foundation, said people often do not realise they may be at risk until it is too late.
The campaign also features the story of Wicklow man Mark Sherry, who was diagnosed with heart disease after experiencing chest pains while exercising in his forties.
He later suffered a heart attack and has since undergone numerous cardiac procedures, including the insertion of 19 stents.
The Irish Heart Foundation is encouraging people across Waterford to use Heart Month to learn more about their cardiovascular health and make small changes that could have significant benefits in the future.
