Cardiovascular disease remains the single biggest killer in County Mayo, accounting for 40 per cent of all deaths, according to local heart charity Croí. The good news is however, that early detection and management of risk factors can help reduce the number of deaths and increase how long people live.
In a bid to save lives and reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease on families living in Mayo, Croí in partnership with HSE West Mayo Primary, Community and Continuing Care, has launched the second in a series of public meetings promoting heart health under the Heart Smart Mayo Programme. This free public meeting and open forum on ‘Heart Disease – How to reduce your risk’ will take place on Thursday March 10 at 8pm in the Hotel Ballina, Dublin Road, Ballina. The guest speaker will be Dr Pat Nash, consultant cardiologist, University Hospital Galway.
Announcing details of this initiative, Croí Heart Smart Mayo co-ordinator Ailish Houlihan said: “The aim of this public meeting is to raise awareness of the risk factors for heart disease and how adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours can help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, all of which are hugely relevant to the prevention of coronary artery disease.
“This meeting is an ideal opportunity for all age groups to meet with and hear from a leading expert in heart disease on how one’s risk factors can be managed in order to prevent heart disease and will also provide those with coronary artery disease an opportunity to discuss risk factor management and available treatments,” she added.
“Ballina through its Friends of Croí Committee, have been longstanding supporters of the work of Croí and this is an opportunity to give something directly back to the community.”
To find out more about Heart Smart Mayo contact Ailish Houlihan on 094 904 9172 or for further information on your heart health contact Croí Heart Health Centre on 091 893 500 or log onto www.croi.ie
