Just under 200 people died from cardiovascular diseases in Westmeath last year according to Professor Alice Stanton, chair of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Council on Blood Pressure.
“198 people died from cardiovascular diseases in Westmeath in 2007 and as blood pressure is a manageable risk, we can reduce these deaths by keeping blood pressure down. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured by your doctor,” said Professor Stanton.
The Irish Heart Foundation is urging the people of Westmeath to love their hearts and lower their blood pressure by getting it checked, as part of Irish Heart Week which takes place from Monday September 22 to Sunday September 28.
According to the national heart health charity, high blood pressure is extremely common and a recent Irish survey showed that 60 per cent of men and women aged over 45 have the condition. Of those with high blood pressure, 70 per cent still had higher levels than recommended, despite being on medication.
As people get older, keeping blood pressure at a healthy level reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. On the advice of your doctor, this can be done very well through lifestyle changes such as cutting down on salt, getting more active, losing weight, and in many cases with medication.
The Irish Heart Foundation’s patient line 1890 432 787 will be open to offer advice to anyone with queries on managing their blood pressure or heart conditions.
