The Irish Heart Foundation announced the expansion of the cardiac conditions supported by the organisation, with the addition of thrombosis. The move comes as Thrombosis Ireland, a charity aiming to increase awareness of the condition and advocate for those affected, is wound down.

Thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the blood vessels (arteries or veins), stopping the blood from flowing normally. The blood clot can then travel to the heart, brain, lungs, or other organs. It is a serious condition and can be life-threatening.

As of July 1^st, 2025, the Irish Heart Foundation will include thrombosis in the cardiac conditions it covers, to offer information, including about the signs and symptoms, and support to those affected by the condition. As the national stroke and heart charity, adding the new condition further supports the charity’s mission to eliminate preventable death and disability from heart disease and stroke, and to support and care for those living with these life-changing conditions.

Venous thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a common condition, affecting approximately 1 to 2 people per 1,000 annually in Western populations. About two-thirds of these cases are DVT, and one-third are PE. It is the third most common cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction and stroke. Around 4,000 people die of thrombosis related deaths – venous thromboembolism or blood clots in the veins each year.

Ann-Marie O’Neill, founder of Thrombosis Ireland, will join a new Irish Heart Foundation Council on Thrombosis in a voluntary advisory capacity.

Symptoms of thrombosis can depend on the location of your blood clot and how big it is. In general, symptoms of a blood clot may include:

• swelling or pain in the leg or arm
• warmth or redness in the leg or arm
• shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• chest pain (particularly when breathing deeply)
• coughing or coughing up blood
• severe headache, that won’t go away