TDs and Senators from across the country have participated in vital public health support at the inaugural Oireachtas Heart and Stroke group meeting on heart failure at Leinster House.

They are backing a call for the estimated 137,000 people living with heart failure in Ireland to receive greater access to cardiac rehabilitation, psychological support and help to ease financial hardship caused by the condition.

Members of the group, set up by the Irish Heart Foundation, heard from Patient Champions and heart failure patients Stephen Comerford and Teresa O’Hanlon, Professor Emer Joyce, Consultant Heart Function and Transplant Cardiologist at The Mater Hospital, Dr Eamonn O’Shea, GP, HSE/ICGP Integrated Care GP Clinical Lead Cardiovascular with the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Foundation’s Director of Advocacy and Patient Support, Chris Macey.

They spoke about Ireland’s rapidly growing cardiac condition, a chronic disease that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, and the disabilities and challenges faced by people living with heart failure in Ireland.

“The HSE has estimated that 30 per cent of heart failure patients are back in hospital within 90 days of discharge,” said Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation.

“Half of all admissions are due to poor self-care and are therefore largely preventable.

“Heart failure patients, along with others living with heart disease and stroke, need more help to address the psychological impact of their condition, financial hardship that can result and gain greater access to rehabilitation services.

“The purpose of this new group is to ensure that services and supports for people affected by cardiovascular disease are prioritised across the country.