Only half of women say they recognise the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, while 28% have never had a heart health check, new research shows.
The national Ipsos survey also reveals 70% of the public believe females are more likely to contract breast cancer than both heart disease and stroke – despite statistics showing they are six times more likely to die from heart disease or stroke.
It was commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation for its ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign, running throughout September.
“The perception is quite different to the reality that one in four women dies from heart disease and stroke,” said Dr Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director with the Irish Heart Foundation.
“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.”
“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, conducted among 1,056 respondents, shows that a third of people in Ireland (33%) believe women are at lower risk of heart disease and stroke than men, 41% believe the risk is the same and 16% think women are more at risk.
And when women only were asked, just 50% said they recognised the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, 23% did not and 27% neither agreed nor disagreed.
The 50% figure compares to 64% of women who said they recognise breast cancer symptoms.
The Ipsos poll also showed that 41% of women have spoken to a healthcare professional about their heart health within the last year – but 28% have never done so.
“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,” said Dr Brown.
“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 supported by the Department of Health and the HSE.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said: “Improving women’s health outcomes and experiences and developing gender-specific health interventions has been a priority for me as Minister. Under the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025 Phase 2: An Evolution in Women’s Health, I have placed a spotlight on and prioritised investment in initiatives targeted at women at midlife and older, with a particular emphasis on improving cardiovascular health.
“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, HSE, Healthy Eating & Active Living Programme, Health & Wellbeing, said regular physical activity, quitting smoking, eating healthier and limiting alcohol use are among the crucial steps in helping to prevent up to 80% of premature cardiovascular disease and stroke cases.
“There is help available to assist women in making informed and long-lasting changes to their lifestyles which can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke,” she said.
“Small steps now can result in substantial health benefits in the future.”
For information and practical tips, visit: irishheart.ie/herheartmatters.