‘Her Heart Matters’ Campaign with The Irish Heart Foundation

SHOCKING FACTS

According to CSO data:

• One in four women in Ireland die from heart disease and stroke
• In 2021, 4,145 women died from cardiovascular disease, accounting for 26% of all female deaths
• Women in Ireland are 6 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than breast cancer

I was shocked when I read these facts in a press release from The Irish Heart Foundation. I certainly had no idea that such a high percentage of women die from cardiovascular disease.

 

THE ROLE PLAYED BY MENOPAUSE IN HEART HEALTH

Our risk of cardiovascular disease increases as we age. Not surprisingly, the menopause has a part to play. We all know that menopause causes a drop in oestrogen levels.  And this plays havoc with our bodies as we age. For example, the loss of oestrogen affects our bones and can lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis.

But did you know that BLOOD VESSELS need oestrogen to stay healthy and flexible?

Lower oestrogen leads to higher LDL (bad cholesterol). In turn, this can increase plaque build-up, stiffening of the arteries and high blood pressure. There is also an increased risk of stroke. I am particularly aware of this because I suffer from high cholesterol and have recently taken steps to address this issue.

We women are so badly served in relation to education about menopause. I wrote a blog post in 2016 about my own experience with the dreaded ‘CHANGE’!

In 2019, I attended a Menopause Summit and in the last few years I feel we talk much more openly about what happens in our bodies with ageing and menopause.

 

SOME WAYS TO IMPROVE HEART HEALTH

You can find lots of good advice on The Irish Heart Foundation website. So, you do not need me to give you a list. Anyway, most of us know what we should do. Don’t we?

Anyway, here is my tuppence worth.

Exercise daily. If, like me, walking is your main exercise, then you need to increase your heart rate to make any difference. I find chasing grandchildren helps keep me fit.

 

But I believe that the single most important thing is to stay social and connected.  And that will help alleviate stress, another major factor in relation to heart health. I play golf and though someone (Mark Twain seemingly) once said it was a good walk spoiled, I love it because it is a social activity.

 

Women of every age need to look after their health. Too often we neglect ourselves trying to be all things to all people.

 

‘HER HEART MATTERS’ CAMPAIGN

Thursday 29^th September is World Heart Day.

The Irish Heart Foundation is holding a free webinar/online event for women between 12.30pm and 1.45pm.

‘Her Heart Matters: Let’s Talk about Menopause’ brings together a panel of experts to discuss the menopause, its impact on our heart health and to advise how we can address these issues.

You can register by visiting irishheart.ie

I was very impressed at how easy it is to navigate their site and the wealth of information you can find there.

So, I would urge you, whatever your age, to check out their website and to sign up for the online webinar. If you have a particular question to ask the expert panel, there is a facility to do so. I have signed up already.

The pic below was taken in Porto! I like the heart motif.

…FINALLY

We owe it to ourselves and our families to prioritise our health. We may think that heart attacks and strokes happen to other people. We may even believe that it is not as prevalent in the female population. It is! And unfortunately the symptoms may not be as obvious.

We need to keep up-to-date with current information.

And we can make small changes in our lifestyles for major returns.

Why?

Because ‘Her Heart Matters’!

Thanks for reading and please share with your friends, daughters and women everywhere. See you virtually on the 29th September.

 

Love Hilda