The Taoiseach joined the Irish Heart Foundation and sons of the late Father Ted actor Dermot Morgan Don, Rob and Ben to launch the Irish Heart Foundation’s Blood Pressure Roadshow which is visiting locations nationwide this autumn.
The Roadshow, is travelling the country and members of the public can find out where to avail of the FREE checks by logging onto www.irishheart.ie.
Nearly one million adults in Ireland are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to high blood pressure and half of them don't know it.
According to the Irish Heart Foundation six out of 10 Irish adults over 45 years – or 945,000 people - are affected by hypertension, and those with uncontrolled high blood pressure are three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to people with healthy or controlled blood pressure.
The joint road show by the Irish Heart Foundation and Covidien will visit up to 30 locations around the country with a target of at least 3,000 free blood pressure checks given to the public. Those attending will receive a ‘Know your blood pressure’ leaflet with practical advice on how to manage the condition.
Top tips include:
- Always take your medication, if prescribed
- Aim for a healthy weight
- Eat more fruit and vegetables
- Eat less salt and less fatty and processed foods
- Drink less alcohol
- Be more active, get at least 30 minutes of exercise on 5 days a week
- Get a regular blood pressure check and follow your doctor’s advice
