Almost half of the people who took part in a health screening event in Oranmore recently had high blood pressure.
Some 45 per cent of the 100 people who participated in the programme, run by the local heart and stroke charity Croí, were diagnosed with this common condition which may lead to coronary heart disease.
The participants had their waists measured and their blood pressure checked in order to identify risk factors associated with heart disease.
They were then able to ask the medical team, which included a cardiac nurse specialist, a cardiac dietician and two health promotion students, questions about health issues and concerns.
Fine Gael Galway West Senator, Fidelma Healy Eames, has described the event as a very “worthwhile” initiative.
“This event at Nestor’s SuperValu in Oranmore was of great benefit particularly considering that it revealed such a considerable prevalence of high blood pressure amongst participants.
“Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation, is my charity for this year. They do fantastic work in promoting heart health. The event in Oranmore raised €650, which is a very welcome boost to the organisation.”
Senator Healy Eames said events like this help to raise awareness about the importance of monitoring people’s heart health.
“However, it is important to stress that each individual found to have high blood pressure needs to follow up with their GP to get advice on their ongoing medical needs.
“Screening initiatives can greatly help to reduce the impact of serious conditions like heart disease and, after talking to representatives from Supervalu, I am hopeful that we can make this heart check-up a bi-annual event in Oranmore.”
