An all-female crew is gearing up for a gruelling, week-long Arctic Challenge to increase awareness of women’s risk of heart disease and stroke.
The expedition, which raises crucial funds for the Irish Heart Foundation, will see participants travel 350km north of the Arctic Circle,
complete a hauling trek across a frozen lake and sleep outdoor in temperatures of -20C.
The women leave Dublin for Kilpisjärvi in Northern Finland this Thursday (March 13) and for some, it will be a deeply personal journey to highlight
heart health after loved ones suffered serious cardiac issues.
Data shows that one in four women in Ireland dies from heart disease and stroke – six times the number who die from breast cancer.
But the national heart and stroke charity says that cardiovascular disease in women remains under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated.
“These women are taking on this challenge to raise funds and awareness as part of our ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign,” said the Irish Heart Foundation’s Commercial Director Judith Gilsenan, who is also participating in the challenge.
“They are doing it for the hearts that can’t and shining a vital light on women’s heart health, something which has been overlooked for too long.
“It will be extremely challenging and will push each participant to the limit.”
The women are already on track to raise over €100,000 and donations are continuing to roll in from across Ireland.
Another of the participants, Lisa Byrne, 45, said: “I read the statistics on the Irish Heart Foundation’s Her Heart Matters campaign as there is a history of cardiac disease in my family.
“My dad Liam, who is now 75, had a heart attack at 50 and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the same time.
“At the time, he was only five years older than I am now. It’s frightening.”
A pharmacist for over 20 years, Offaly native Lisa said work responsibilities have taken the focus off her own health.
But along with a recent decision to quit smoking, she sees the Arctic Challenge as a way of changing that.
Research commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation last year showed that only half of women in Ireland recognise the symptoms of heart attack and stroke.
“Society needs to confront this embedded myth that heart disease is a male disease,” said consultant cardiologist and the charity’s Medical Director, Dr Angie Brown.
“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.”
For information on women’s heart health and practical tips on looking after your heart, visit: irishheart.ie/herheartmatters.
The women can be supported in their fundraising efforts by donating at: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/campaign/Arctic_Challenge_for_the_Irish_Heart_Foundation/leaderboard.html