September is World Heart Month and the President of the World Heart Federation, Prof David Wood was in Galway this week to support Croí who are focused on highlighting the need to understand and manage your blood pressure as part of a global campaign to promote heart health.
Recent research conducted by Croí shows that among 2,372 people across the West of Ireland (screened across 44 locations) 43% had a blood pressure measurement above the recommended target of 140/90mmHg. Surprisingly, among a sub-set of this group, as many as 70% of people did not know what the recommended blood pressure target for a healthy heart and brain is; over 50% did do not know what the term ‘hypertension’ (high blood pressure) means, and many believed incorrectly that you would know if your blood pressure was high without having it measured.
Announcing these findings, Croí Prevention Nurse Lead & Director of Programmes, Irene Gibson says “These findings revealed a poor knowledge and awareness of blood pressure and its importance for heart and brain health among those already diagnosed with high blood pressure which is worrying . High blood pressure is estimated to be responsible for at least 25% of heart attacks in Europe and is the leading cause of death worldwide. Our aim for the month of September is to screen over 1,000 people across the West of Ireland for high blood pressure”.
In support of the World Heart Federation ‘My Heart Your Heart’ global campaign, Croí are asking people to make a heart promise – a promise to check their blood pressure, eat more healthily, get more active and to say No to smoking. Over the month of September Croí will be delivering a series of blood pressure and pulse check awareness days in collaboration with community partners, Galway County Local Community Development Committee & Evergreen Healthfoods. Free Blood Pressure Checks will offered at the following locations, throughout the month of September (check locally for times or call Croí on 091-544310 for further details)
- Thursday 13th of September –Evergreen Healthfoods, Mainguard Street, Galway
- Thursday 20th September – Ballymacward and Gurteen Social Club
- Thursday 20th of September –Evergreen Healthfoods, Eyre Square Shopping Centre
- Saturday 22nd of September –Evergreen Healthfoods, Oranmore
- Thursday 27th of September –Evergreen Healthfoods, Galway Shopping Centre
- Friday 28th of September –Eyre Square Shopping centre in association with Boston Scientific
- Saturday 29th September – Ardrahan GAA Club