The Irish Heart Foundation has urged women to reduce their stroke risk by maintaining a healthy weight, after US research found that stroke rates have tripled among those aged from late thirties to early fifties.
The IHF has expressed concern that a similar trend could emerge here. The latest obesity figures (Slán ) showed that 54 per cent of Irish women are currently overweight or obese.
IHF medical director Dr Angie Brown said: “Right now in Ireland approximately 10,000 people suffer a stroke every year and about one quarter of those die from it. There is a misconception that cardiovascular disease – heart attack and stroke – mainly affects men. But in fact one and half times as many women die from stroke as men.
“Leading a healthy, active lifestyle is vital to help reduce the risk of having a stroke. More women need to recognise that being overweight is a serious contributor to high blood pressure, especially when combined with drinking too much alcohol, eating too much salt, and not eating enough fruit and vegetables. A woman can have high blood pressure and feel well, not have any symptoms, but it is a silent predator that can lead to stroke and heart attack. If a woman is overweight and smokes, her risk increases dramatically.”
If you are worried about stroke problems or lifestyle issues, talk to an IHF nurse on the Heart and Stroke Helpline on Locall 1890 432787. For more information on preventing stroke see www.stroke.ie
