Emyvale researcher urges residents to avoid ‘silent killer’

A new health campaign is urging people in Cavan and Monaghan to avoid a “silent killer” by having their blood pressure checked. The Irish Heart Foundation is running the ‘Before the damage is done’ campaign to encourage adults, particularly those aged over 50, to get checked. Three-minute checks with GPs or local pharmacies are a vital tool for detecting high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and dementia.

JT Treanor from Co Monaghan works as a Chronic Disease Health Promotion Professional at the Irish Heart Foundation. Speaking to Northern Sound, Mr Treanor highlighted that the vast majority of people diagnosed with hypertension have no warning symptoms, so it is essential that blood pressure is checked and controlled. The Emyvale native explained: “It’s quick, easy and painless and doesn’t require a blood test. The campaign targets those who may unknowingly suffer from high blood pressure, and the risk increases with age. The most recent annual data from the CSO shows that 9,652 people’s lives were lost in 2022 due to heart disease and stroke. The normal level of blood pressure is around 120 over 80, with high blood pressure. defined as 140 over 90 or more.

“Everyone aged over 30 should be checked every five years and a GP can assess the overall level of risk and can advise more frequent checks. There could be a history of hypertension in your family, so a GP will look at cholesterol, weight and lifestyle factors to assess your heart health.