Are you, or a loved one, living with high blood pressure? Join Croí, the heart and stroke charity, and leading experts for a public webinar to learn how to manage your high blood pressure. The free webinar takes place online using Zoom on Thursday, May 20, from 1pm to 2pm.
Expert guest speakers on the day include Prof Bill McEvoy, consultant cardiologist, University Hospital Galway; Dr Barry McDonnell, cardiovascular physiologist, Cardiff Metropolitan University; and Dr Gerry Molloy, health psychologist, NUI Galway. The interactive panel discussion will address your priorities and concerns for living with high blood pressure. This event is in recognition of World Hypertension Day (May 17 ). Register now and submit your questions for the experts at www.croi.ie/webinar, or call Croí on 091 544310. Don’t miss this special event.
“Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s startling to know that Ireland has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure internationally, but among the lowest levels of diagnosis, treatment, and control of the condition. Join us and connect with the experts at this free Croí webinar,” said Dr Lisa Hynes, Croí’s head of health programmes.
The programme is funded by the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019, under Grant Agreement Number 121 to support the delivery of services which focus on prevention, community care, and integration of care across all health and social care settings.
Five things you should know in taking control of your blood pressure
1. Be informed. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of the blood flowing through your blood vessels is too high. Left untreated, it can significantly increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
2. Get checked out. Known as a silent killer, high blood pressure usually has no symptoms. So, the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked out.
3. Know your pressure. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. The recommended target level for blood pressure is <140/90 mmHg, however, if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or have previously had a stroke, you may be prescribed a lower target.
4. Minimise the risks. There are steps you can take to lower blood pressure, by maintaining a healthy weight and becoming more physically active, stopping smoking, avoiding added salt, drinking alcohol in moderation, increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables, and learning ways to cope with stress.
5. You can be treated. If lifestyle measures on their own are not effective in keeping your blood pressure under control, then you may need to take prescribed medications in addition. These are usually for the rest of your life.
