The Irish Heart Foundation is urging women in Ireland to prioritise their heart health as part of its ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign. And the statistics support the need for greater awareness: official data shows that in 2022, 4,656 women in Ireland died from cardiovascular disease, accounting for 27 per cent of all female deaths.
Here, the national charity’s senior dietitian, Orna O’Brien, outlines the five heart health mistakes which women often make and how to correct them.
ASSUMING HEART DISEASE IS A ‘MAN’S PROBLEM’
Despite the misconception, one-in-four women in Ireland dies from heart disease and stroke, surpassing breast cancer deaths six-fold. Why? Heart disease in women has been historically under-recognised, under-treated and under-researched. Specific risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure can be deadlier for women, who also have specific pregnancy and menopause-related risk factors. It’s essential for women to educate themselves about heart health. Women aged over 30 should have their blood pressure and cholesterol checked once every five years.
OVERLOOKING HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS
Women tend to be less aware of heart attack symptoms than men as their symptoms can be more vague. Consequently, women might delay seeking help or not call emergency services for themselves, which can impact their chances of survival. If a woman suspects a heart attack, she should call 112 or 999 immediately and go to the nearest Emergency Department.
BELIEVING HEART DISEASE IS ONLY A CONCERN FOR OLDER ADULTS
Many women are unaware that hormonal protection shields them from heart disease and stroke until after menopause. However, heart disease risk factors can begin in childhood, highlighting the importance of proactively reducing cardiovascular risk no matter what stage of life a woman is at.
JUMPING INTO LIFESTYLE CHANGES WITHOUT THE RIGHT MINDSET
Most women already know what makes a healthy lifestyle, but the many demands of modern life can get in the way. The Irish Heart Foundation offers a free self-care and wellbeing journal, designed to help women identify areas they would benefit most from focusing on, understand their habits, and set realistic goals.
BELIEVING THEY LACK CONTROL OVER THEIR CARDIOVASCULAR RISK
The good news is that 80 per cent of premature heart disease and strokes are preventable by managing modifiable risk factors. Here are some practical tips:
- If you smoke, try to stop.
- Limit alcohol to no more than 11 standard drinks per week.
- Follow a Mediterranean-style diet. This is based on fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, beans, pulses, nuts, and seeds. It includes olive oil, seafood, and poultry, and is low in sugar, salt, processed foods, and red meat. See irishheart.ie for stress-free heart-healthy recipes.
- Mind your mental health by reducing screentime, maintaining a regular sleep routine, spending time in nature, engaging with relaxation techniques, and staying connected with friends and family.
- Incorporate more movement into daily life and include muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.
- For practical strategies to take charge of their heart health, women can visit irishheart.ie and download the Irish Heart Foundation’s free Self-care and Wellbeing Journal.
