Community Groups
Leading Specialist addresses Women’s Heart Health
By Ailish Houlihan
29, Mar 2012 - 17:08

"Women are at Risk of Heart Disease too" says local Heart & Stroke Charity, Croí, who have just launched a campaign to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease amongst women. To coincide with this campaign Croí, in collaboration with HSE West's Mayo PCCC are hosting a FREE public talk entitled ‘A Woman's Heart - Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease' on Monday 16th of April at 8pm in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar. The guest speaker will be Dr. Blaithnead Murtagh, Consultant Cardiologist, Galway Clinic. This initiative is being organised as part of the ‘Mayo Action on Heart Disease & Stroke' programme, a community-based prevention programme and partnership between Croí and Mayo Primary, Community and Continuing Care, which aims to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke in Mayo.

Announcing details of this public meeting, Croí Nurse Lead for the ‘Mayo Action on Heart Disease & Stroke' programme, Ailish Houlihan said "It is important for women to recognize that heart disease can affect them too, and so by learning about the risk factors for heart disease you are in a better position to take vital steps to reduce your risk, and improve your heart health". Some of these steps include quitting smoking, eating healthier foods such as increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and getting more physically active. It is also important to visit your GP for a comprehensive heart health assessment which includes measuring cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. "With the West of Ireland Mini Marathon in Castlebar only around the corner, many women in Mayo have been encouraged to get more active, which is one of the key lifestyle changes that can improve blood pressure and cholesterol and help with weight management. This meeting will be a great opportunity to learn more about the risk factors for heart disease and the many ways in which you can reduce your risk and improve your overall health" continues Ms. Houlihan.

To find out more about the ‘Mayo Action on Heart Disease & Stroke' programme contact Ailish Houlihan on 094-9049172 or for further information on your heart health contact Croí Heart Health Centre on 091-893500 or log onto www.croi.ie