September is Irish Heart Month which serves as an opportunity to spread awareness about our heart, its health, and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
The Irish Heart Foundation’s new campaign ‘Her Heart Matters’ aims to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women. Stark figures surrounding the campaign show 1 in 4 women in Ireland die from heart disease and stroke. Overall, approximately 10,000 people in Ireland die from cardiovascular disease every year.
Here the Thrive wellbeing team takes a look at ways you can protect your heart health.
Heart Disease & Menopause
A woman’s risk of heart disease and stroke increases with the onset of menopause. This is due to lower levels of oestrogen which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol, symptoms of menopause such as poor sleep and night sweats can increase your risk as well as changes in body shape, muscle, and fat stores.
Men & Heart Disease
Men are more likely than women to develop heart disease. There is a variety of reasons that causes an increased number of cases of cardiovascular disease in men.
It is suggested that men tend to cope with stress differently compared to women and may be less adaptive to cope with stress physiologically, behaviourally, and emotionally. Men also tend to pay less attention to healthy lifestyle behaviours and could be less aware of associated symptoms.
Protect your Heart
The good news is that 80% of premature heart disease and stroke are preventable by making simple but vital lifestyle changes and being proactive when it comes to your health, as is the case with many other diseases and illnesses.
- Manage stress – find ways to relax, maintain a regular sleeping pattern, practise relaxation techniques, stay connected
- Get Moving
- Eat well
- Stop smoking
- Drink less alcohol
- Know your family history
- Check it out - have regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks
Know the Signs
Awareness of the signs of heart disease is imperative to early detection but what symptoms should you look out for that might indicate a potential heart problem?
- Chest pain
- Pain or weakness in legs/arms
- Breathlessness
- Fast or slow heartbeat or palpitations
- Feeling dizzy/lightheaded/or faint
- Fatigue
- Swollen limbs
The Thrive Wellbeing Hub is here for you on all matters related to your health and wellbeing. For more information or advice, contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.
We also host an abundance of insightful and practical wellbeing webinars that may help you in your efforts, you can visit our Help & Guides page to view.
For more on Irish Heart Month, please visit irishheart.ie.