A new health drive is urging people across Cavan and Monaghan to avoid a 'silent killer' by getting their blood pressure checked. The Irish Heart Foundation is leading the 'Before Damage is Done' campaign to encourage adults, particularly those aged over-50, to get checked. The three-minute checks with GPs or local pharmacies are a vital tool in detecting high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and dementia.
JT Treanor from Co Monaghan works as a Health Promotion Professional for Chronic Disease at the Irish Heart Foundation. Speaking to Northern Sound, Mr Treanor outlined that the vast majority of those diagnosed with hypertension had no warning symptoms, so it is vital that blood pressure is checked and kept in check. The Emyvale native explained; "It is quick, easy and pain free and does not involve a blood test. The campaign targets those who may be living with high blood pressure without their knowledge, and the risk increases with age. The most recent CSO yearly data shows that 9,652 lives were lost in 2022 due to heart disease and stroke. The normal level of blood pressure is about 120 over 80, with high blood pressure defined as 140 over 90 or higher.
"Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years and a GP can assess the overall level of risk and may advise more frequent checks. There could be a history of hypertension in your family so a GP will look at cholesterol, weight and lifestyle factors to assess your cardiac health."
