According to the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, this September is a RED ALERT to all Irish women to know that as many women (5,000) as men die from cardiovascular diseases and it is important to Go Red for Women and take action to reduce your risk.

Dr Kate McGarry Consultant Physician and Chair of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Council on Women and CVD said: “Every two hours a woman dies in Ireland from cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel diseases). When it comes to health issues, women are more concerned about breast cancer even though seven times as many women die from heart disease and stroke in Ireland each year. Our goal is to alert women that especially after the menopause, they are at risk of heart attack and stroke, as much as any man. But the good news is that a positive lifestyle can alter risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Go Red for Women is a wake-up call to every woman in Ireland to take care of her heart health.”

Medical Director of the Irish Heart Foundation, Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Angie Brown said: “The campaign also aims to highlight that the signs and symptoms of heart attack may be different for women to those of men. A woman may experience more vague symptoms such as nausea, tiredness, shortness of breath, rather than the more usual crushing pain in the chest. Unfortunately this may mean that women delay in getting to the hospital and therefore lose valuable time for the necessary treatment.”

Maureen Mulvihill, Health Promotion Manager from the Irish Heart Foundation said: “Throughout the month of September our charity, supported by the Health Service Executive (HSE) will promote heart healthy lifestyle behaviours so more women will know how to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and will recognise the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Find out how you can learn more on www.irishheart.ie/goredforwomen .”

Get your free Go Red for Women leaflet or magazine. Contact the Irish Heart Foundation on 1850 364 364  or see www.irishheart.ie/goredforwomen

• Follow a live webcast of a public lecture in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, in Dublin on September 14th at 6.30pm addressing heart disease in women, reducing risk, diet and weight management, menopause, diabetes and a patient story. Register with  www.rcpi.ie
  
• Take part in a World Heart Day walk on Sunday, 26th September where you live or in your workplace. Irish Heart Foundation sponsorship cards are available for those who wish to raise money as they walk!
  
• Visit the Irish Heart Foundation stand for a free Blood Pressure check at the National Ploughing Championships on 22-23 September
  
• Talk to an Irish Heart Foundation nurse on our Heart & Stroke Helpline Locall 1890 432 787, if you are worried about heart or stroke issues, Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm.
  
• Share your story to help raise awareness that heart disease and stroke do not just affect men.
  

Red Alert messages for women:

• Be active – at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity 5 times a week
  
• Eat a healthy diet - eat more fruit and vegetables and fresh foods; eat less fat, fries and convenience foods
  
• If you smoke, stop - the risk of CVD is reduced by half, one year after quitting
  
• Have regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks with your family doctor
  
• Know your family history and the signs and symptoms of heart disease.
  
• Go easy on alcohol - no more than 14 standard drinks per week.
  
• Enjoy life. Take time out for yourself and keep in touch with friends

Signs and symptoms of heart attack in women can include:

• Chest discomfort. Squeezing, uncomfortable pressure or pain in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes.
  
• Discomfort and/or pain spreading  to other areas of the upper body such as the shoulders, neck or upper arms
  
• Shortness of breath, unexplained weakness or fatigue, anxiety or unusual nervousness, indigestion or gas-like pain, breaking out ion a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness and collapse.
  
• Dizziness and/or fainting

Not all of the above symptoms are always present. If only some are present don’t wait. Get help fast and dial 999. Meanwhile sit or lie down.

Warning signs of stroke
The following can help you recognise if someone is having a stroke and  act FAST if you see any of them:

• FACE – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
  
• ARMS – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
  
• SPEECH – is their speech slurred?
  
• TIME to call 999 – if you see any single one of these signs

ENDS
Editor’s note:

About the Irish Heart Foundation:
The Irish Heart Foundation is the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke. More people in Ireland die from these causes than from cancer, road deaths and suicide combined. We work to bring hope, relief and a better future to Irish families. In hospitals, schools and workplaces, we support, educate and train people to save lives. We campaign for improved patient care, promote positive public health strategies, and support pioneering research. We provide public information via the media. As a charity we depend on your ongoing support – through your donations or participation as a volunteer or on a training course. The Irish Heart Foundation relies on charitable donations for 90% of its funding.

Pictures taken by Photocall Ireland

Media queries to:
Caroline Cullen, Communications Manager, Irish Heart Foundation
Direct line: 01-6346908 Mob: 086-6049282 Email: ccullen@irishheart.ie
Ann O’Leary, Communications Assistant, Irish Heart Foundation
Direct line: 01-6346917

Interview Opportunities available:
• IHF Medical expert
• Health and lifestyle experts such as  IHF dietitian or IHF health promotion expert
• Female heart patient
• Female celebrities (as per photocall)
• For more interview ideas/information please see our heart month magazine