Coronary heart disease kills some 14,000 people in this country each year, making it Ireland's number one killer, according to the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF). We have double the European average of heart disease fatalities.
On May 25th, at the Metropole Hotel, Cork, the IHF will run an information day on the heart condition known as cardiomyopathy, which is often diagnosed in people who have lived a long and healthy life. However, the condition does point to possible future health problems and according to Mr Paddy O'Brien, regional manager of the IHF, it is important to be screened for it as early as possible.
On the day, consultant cardiologist Mr Will Fennell and UK-based cardiac nurse Ms Stephanie Cruickshank will address the meeting and members of the Cardiomyopathy Support Group will also be present. "We are the only national voluntary association dedicated to the reduction of premature deaths from heart attack, stroke and diseases of the circulation. We hope that patients and their families will join us on the 25th," Mr O'Brien said.