Urgent Research: Irish Women Struggle to Prioritize Heart Health

UPDATE: New research reveals alarming barriers preventing Irish women from prioritizing their heart health. A recent study conducted by Ipsos B&A for the Irish Heart Foundation indicates that stress, lack of motivation, and concerns about the cost of health checks are hindering proactive measures in heart health management.

The study, part of the Her Heart Matters campaign, shows that only 13% of women recognize that they are more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease and stroke than with breast cancer, despite heart disease claiming six times as many lives. Disturbingly, only 51% of respondents reported knowing the symptoms of these critical conditions.

Janis Morrissey, director of health promotion at the Irish Heart Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for women to reflect on their heart health. “What we are asking women to do is to take stock of where they are at and understand what factors impact their heart health,” she stated. “Even one small change can make a huge difference.”

The research highlights significant concerns surrounding heart health prioritization among women. 25% of participants cited the high cost of health checks as a major barrier. Additionally, 23% expressed a lack of motivation to care for their heart health, while 21% found gym memberships prohibitively expensive, and 18% noted the high cost of healthy foods as a deterrent.

Morrissey pointed out that stress and time constraints are contributing factors for 26% of women surveyed. “Time has consistently come up as a barrier, as have stress and cost of living concerns,” she explained. “This appears to be fueling a general lack of motivation, as women feel they are juggling too much.”

The Her Heart Matters campaign, supported by the Department of Health Women’s Health Fund and the HSE, aims to empower women to take control of their cardiovascular health. Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, acknowledged the disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes between genders and emphasized the importance of raising awareness. “It’s a reminder to all of us to reignite the conversation around heart health,” she said.

Sarah O’Brien, national lead for the healthy eating and active living program at the HSE, expressed support for the campaign, stating, “The very practical tips and information provided are an easy way for women to start thinking about their heart health.”

This critical research was based on 1,018 nationally representative interviews conducted between July 29 and August 5, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action regarding women’s heart health in Ireland.

As the conversation around heart health continues to evolve, women are encouraged to assess their lifestyles and make even minor adjustments that could lead to significant improvements in their overall health. The time to act is now—women must prioritize their heart health to combat these worrying trends.