There are a number of myths about heart attacks and strokes that are putting women's health at risk

A common myth that is widely believed, is that women would be more inclined to be diagnosed with breast cancer than to suffer from either heart related illness.

Speaking to Newstalk this week, Janis Morrissey, a spokesperson for Irish Heart Foundation said this is putting women at risk.

“If I ask you to picture someone having a heart attack, we often think of a classic Hollywood soap where it’s a middle-aged man clutching his chest but in fact the reality is that one-in-four women in Ireland will die of heart disease and stroke - the same as men,” she said.

“That’s why the Irish Heart Foundation has launched their ‘Heart Matters’ campaign to shine a spotlight on the fact that we’re very breast aware - which is fantastic - but we need to be heart aware as well.”

Many heart conditions are preventable with lifestyle changes, however, the research also showed that 28% of women had never been in for a heart health check scheduled.

The Irish Heart Foundation is now calling for all women to talk to their GPs about their heart health and whether or not they should have a check.

“We’re calling women to talk to your doctor about your heart health,” Ms Morrissey said.

“Look at all of the factors that affect your risk - that could include your age and your family history.”

He went on to say: “But the good news is that 80% of heart disease and stroke is preventable through lifestyle changes.

“Things like physical activity, not smoking, limiting alcohol and eating healthily have a huge impact on your risk of heart disease and stroke as well.”

Ms Morrisey then said that one thing can indicate an underlying issue and that’s blood pressure.

“Blood pressure is a very important risk factor for heart disease,” she said.

“The only way to know that you have high blood pressure is to get it checked - either with your GP… or in a local pharmacy.

“High blood pressure is often called the silent killer.”

While many people are aware of the well-known symptoms of heart health issues, like chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath or nausea, women need to make themselves aware of the lesser known symptoms.

“Often, women have less common symptoms like back pain, stomach pain - extreme fatigue that are more generic and harder to identify immediately,” she said.

“What we’re saying to women is - seek help earlier, trust your body.

“If you don’t feel right, contact emergency services.

“We’re really calling on women to advocate for themselves, to recognise the symptoms and potentially save their own lives.”

If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with a heart attack, you should contact 999 immediately.

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