Even though heart disease is traditionally regarded as a disease affecting men, it is the single leading cause of death among women in the Republic, a leading cardiologist has said.
Dr Kate McGarry, chair of the Irish Heart Foundation's Council on Women and Heart Disease, was speaking ahead of this week's Irish Heart Week, which this year aims to highlight the importance of heart health for women. The campaign will be launched this morning by the singer Mary Black.
"The rate of heart disease in women is similiar to that of men, but onset in women is on average 10 years later than in their male counterparts. The incidence of heart attack in women can lag behind that of men by about 20 years", said Dr McGarry, who is a consultant in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan.
She pointed out that most women fear breast cancer, but the risk of heart disease in women is 10 times greater than breast cancer.
Women suffering from heart disease may not receive the same treatment as men because it still tends to be seen as a male disease, according to Ms Eilis McGovern, consultant cardiac surgeon at St James Hospital, Dublin. "There is a great need to strengthen the public health message that, for women as well as men, heart disease is a reality," she said.
Ms Maureen Mulvihill, health promotion manager of the Irish Heart Foundation. told The Irish Times that, "regardless of a woman's family history, following a healthy lifestyle makes a big difference for heart health and reduces the risk of heart disease".
Key messages for women from the campaign are: a) Enjoy life and take time out for yourself; b) Be active; c) Eat more fruit and vegetables and less fat and fries; d) Stop smoking and go easy on alcohol; e) Have regular BP and cholesterol checks with your family doctor; f) Know your family history and the signs and symptoms of heart disease.
A total of 5,774 women in the Republic died from disease of the heart and circulatory system in 2001; women here are third in a league table of deaths from heart disease in the EU.
A magazine has been published by the Irish Heart Foundation as part of Irish Heart Week. "A Woman's Heart" outlines the positive steps women can take to improve heart health and profiles women who have made important changes for their health. The magazine is available from the Irish Heart Foundation or can be downloaded from the foundation's website at: www.irishheart.ie
The first in a series of public talks takes place at the Sheldon Park Hotel, Ballyfermot, at 8 p.m. tonight. Details of other events during the week are available by phoning 1850 364 364.