DRINK LESS & YOUR HEART WILL LOVE IT
Doc’s high blood pressure warning
NEARLY one million Irish people have high blood pressure – with many people drinking too much, it was revealed yesterday.
It is a major cause of heart attack or stroke and last year almost 9,000 people here died from cardiovascular disease.
The HSE’S Askaboutalcohol.ie and the Irish Heart Foundation launched a campaign to raise awareness.
Drinking less and keeping an eye on your blood pressure can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and people are urged to ask their GP or pharmacist to check their blood pressure. High blood pressure usually comes with an even bigger problem – a lack of symptoms. It is one of the most common alcohol-related health problems, but many people don’t realise they have it.
IHF medical director Dr Angie Brown said: “It’s so important to have your blood pressure checked as high blood pressure can be dangerous. Three in five adults over the age of 45 have high blood pressure but the good news is it is one of the most preventable drinkrelated problems.
“Once detected it can be effectively managed through drinking less and possibly medication. Ask your GP to check your blood pressure or visit our mobile health unit.”
Drinking to excess raises your blood pressure, which means your heart has to work harder. The HSE’S Marion Rackard added: “You don’t need to be dependent on alcohol for it to affect your health.
“The purpose of Askaboutalcohol.ie is to improve knowledge about alcohol – how it affects health and how we gain more by drinking less.
“Health care professionals are encouraged to screen patients to make sure they are aware of the risks.”
Heart attack