Only half of women recognise the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, according to new research which also shows 28 per cent have never had a heart health check.
The national Ipsos survey also found 70 per cent of the public believe women are more likely to contract breast cancer than heart disease or a stroke – despite statistics showing they are six times more likely to die from both conditions.
The study was commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation for its Her Heart Matters campaign, running throughout September.
Dr Angie Brown, consultant cardiologist and medical director with the Irish Heart Foundation, said: “The perception is quite different to the reality that one in four women dies from heart disease and stroke.
“Women are six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than they are from breast cancer so a significant gap in awareness of the symptoms has opened up.”
The campaign is being supported by broadcaster Maura Derrane, who said: “Women often neglect their own heart health. They are caught up taking care of others, their children and their partners.
“I want to get the message to all women that they need to listen to their bodies – know the symptoms, which are often different from men’s. If you are not feeling right, don’t ignore it. Go to your doctor and talk about your heart health.”
The research, carried out among 1,056 respondents, shows a third of people in Ireland (33 per cent) believe women are at lower risk of heart disease and stroke than men, 41 per cent believe the risk is the same, and 16% think women are more at risk.
And when women only were asked, just 50 per cent said they would recognise the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, 23 per cent would not and 27 per cent neither agreed nor disagreed.
The Ipsos poll also found that 41 per cent of women have spoken to a healthcare professional about their heart health within the last year – but 28 per cent have never done so.
Dr Brown said: “We are encouraging all women, but especially those in their mid-50s and beyond, to have their heart health checked, particularly if they experience chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness or extreme fatigue – please don’t put it on the long finger.
“Society as a whole needs to confront this embedded myth that heart disease is a male disease; it is still not seen as a disease that affects women to the degree that it does.
“Women need to seek help earlier if they have any suspicion something might be wrong, advocate for themselves, recognise the signs and potentially save their own lives.”
The campaign is being supported by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: “Improving women’s health outcomes and experiences and developing gender-specific health interventions has been a priority for me.
“I’m very pleased to deliver on this commitment by supporting the Her Heart Matters campaign through the Women’s Health Fund, and I commend the Irish Heart Foundation for its important work in highlighting the different risks and symptoms of heart disease and stroke experienced by women.”
Sarah O’Brien, of the HSE’s Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme, said regular physical activity, quitting smoking, eating a healthier diet and limiting alcohol use are among the crucial steps in helping to prevent up to 80% of premature cardiovascular disease and stroke cases.
“Small steps now can result in substantial health benefits in the future,” she said.
– For information and practical tips, visit irishheart.ie/herheartmatters.
