A quarter of adults will have high blood pressure by 2020

By June Shannon Stroke News   |   14th Aug 2018

Irish Heart Foundation calls on public to get their blood pressure checked

In just two years’ time it is expected that one quarter of the Irish population or more than 1.2 million adults will have high blood pressure, the leading cause of disabling stroke and heart disease.

Therefore, the Irish Heart Foundation is urging people to get a free blood pressure check in the charity’s mobile health unit.

According to data from the Institute of Public Health in Ireland, in 2010 it was estimated that more than 950,000 adults aged 45 and over in the Republic of Ireland had high blood pressure and that by 2020 this number was expected to rise to more than 1,220,000. This represents a 28 per cent increase (an additional 270,000 people) in ten years.

Representatives from the Irish Heart Foundation and EUROSPAR Supermarket had their own blood pressure checked today in the Phoenix Park in Dublin as they announced a new partnership which will see EUROSPAR Supermarket sponsor the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit for the next year as part of their efforts to help people live healthier lives.

 

“We’re delighted that EUROSPAR Supermarket is sponsoring our mobile health unit for the coming year ,"

Mr Tim Collins, CEO, Irish Heart Foundation

High blood pressure is a silent killer and a leading cause of stroke and heart disease in Ireland. One in six people will have a stroke at some time in their life and yet only half of people with high blood pressure know that they have the condition.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Mr Tim Collins, Irish Heart Foundation CEO, said “We’re delighted that EUROSPAR Supermarket is sponsoring our mobile health unit for the coming year and enabling us to continue bringing blood pressure checks and lifestyle advice to communities across Ireland.

“Most of us have heard of high blood pressure but unfortunately a lot of people don’t understand the importance of having it checked. People with high blood pressure are three times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. It’s predicted that by 2020 more than 1.2 million people in Ireland – a quarter of the population – will have high blood pressure, so it’s imperative we are all aware of the risks and get it checked.”

"What many people don’t realise is stroke can happen at any age,"

Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director, Irish Heart Foundation

Dr Angie Brown, consultant cardiologist and Irish Heart Foundation Medical Director, explained, “What many people don’t realise is stroke can happen at any age. Working age people now account for a quarter of all strokes. We have seen a 26 per cent increase in the proportion of strokes among people under 65 – equivalent to more than 300 extra strokes among people of working age in Ireland every year. That’s why we want all people aged 30 and over to get their blood pressure checked. A simple blood pressure check can detect high blood pressure, which can then be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and possibly medication.”

EUROSPAR Supermarket’s Managing Director, Mr Malachy Hanberry said, “EUROSPAR supermarkets are located at the heart of local communities. Therefore, we wanted to come up with an initiative that looks after the wellbeing of the people in our communities and what better way than to support the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit in its mission to help prevent high blood pressure and stroke for all Irish people. Through this sponsorship EUROSPAR is focused, in a very tangible way, on helping to save lives in your local community.”

 

"A simple blood pressure check can detect high blood pressure, which can then be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and possibly medication,”

Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director , Irish Heart Foundation

The Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit has carried out 22,000 free blood pressure checks across the country in its first two years and the charity intends to conduct more than 10,000 further free checks in the coming year with the support of EUROSPAR Supermarket.

The mobile health unit has two professional consultation rooms where people can avail of free, non-invasive blood pressure checks. Nurses provide lifestyle advice and information on next steps including managing blood pressure and following up with a GP if necessary.

The Irish Heart Foundation also runs Ireland’s National Heart and Stroke Helpline. To receive free, confidential advice and support from specialist nurses, freephone 1800 25 25 50 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, Thursday until 7pm) or email helpline@irishheart.ie.

 

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blood pressure EUROSPAR hypertension mobile health unit

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