New research shows up to three-quarters of farmers at risk from cardiovascular disease

AN eye-opening new study has revealed that up to three quarters of male farmers are putting their health at serious risk as they have four or more risk factors that could lead to the development of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).

The study involving Teagasc, the National Centre for Men’s Health (NCMH) the Irish Heart Foundation, Glanbia Ireland, the HSE and UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences saw 868 male farmers undergo health checks in marts and Glanbia Ireland Agribusiness branches.

It found that male farmers are three times more likely than others with less risk factors to suffer from stroke or a heart attack – with 75% of those surveyed advised to immediately visit their GP.

A number of findings within the study gave cause for serious concern including that more 86% participants were wither overweight or obese. This is substantially higher than that national male average of 68%.

Other findings included that 43.8% of farmers not already on medication had high blood pressure, 62.6% raised cholesterol levels and 29.4% elevated blood glucose.

In relation to eating habits, the majority of farmers (72.1%) reported consuming salty and/ or sugary snacks on a daily basis, one-in -five (21.9%) reported consuming deep fried food three, or more times a week, and most (79.3%) reported not meeting the recommended daily intake of five or more portions of fruit and vegetables. This is higher than 70% of the national population of Irish males.

Marise Damery, health check manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, said the COVID-19 crisis had already highlighted how half of the patients presenting to intensive care units had serious heart conditions, with more men than women becoming critically ill.

“This research has shown that farmers have multiple heart and stroke risk factors and really highlights the importance of providing farmers and men in general with local access to health checks and interventions programmes. We hope that by continuing to work in collaboration, and leading the health checks, we can do this,” she said.

The lead author of the study Diana Van Doorn, a PhD Walsh Scholar at Teagasc and the National Centre for Men’s Health, said that while the headline figures painted a worrying picture “there are positives.”

“We found that the majority of farmers reported having visited their GP in the past year, fewer farmers smoke or drink compared to the general population and farmers, by virtue of their occupation, get a lot of physical activity. There are however areas of concern identified by the study.”

Among these key areas of concern was the indication of either a lack of awareness, or an incomplete understanding of CVD, and the risks associated with it.

Dr John McNamara, health and safety specialists with Teagasc said the baseline data from the study will yield valuable knowledge on ways to promote cardiovascular health among farmers.

“I would appeal to farmers give Cardiovascular Disease prevention immediate attention. Don’t put off going to the doctor or taking the first steps to a healthier lifestyle. Do it today.”