Wicklow TD on need for cardiovascular care reform – ‘These situations are preventable'
Ten thousand lives a year are claimed by CVD, Ireland's biggest killer, accounting for almost 30pc of all mortality. In Wicklow, 18,000 people live with the disease, which causes a wide range of heart conditions.
Nationally, 80,000 CVD patients are discharged home every year – or one every seven minutes. However, despite the enormous toll of death and infirmity, Ireland has not had a CVD disease policy for over five years.
A new Oireachtas Heart and Stroke group has recently been set up to build consensus across the political spectrum to support these 'abandoned' patients – and thereby deliver huge reductions in preventable death and disability.
Deputy Timmins has joined this group and spoke about the inspiration behind that decision.
'There was a presentation in Leinster House and I know of a lot of cases, of men in particular, but also women, where people developed heart issues which could lead to heart attacks, particularly in the 50s age bracket.
'I believe these situations are preventable with the proper screening in place. Also a lot of people are developing strokes, which could be prevented through a greater level of awareness out there about issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
'People need to be more proactive in getting screened and seeing their doctor. People with chest pains should attend A&E, where you will be treated immediately. It's so important to attend A&E and if you are suffering from chest pain they will see you straight away.
'People often put it down to something like a stretched muscle, but it is vitally important that you don't ignore signs such as chest pain, and take the required measures to ensure your health is in check.'
Ireland has the lowest number of cardiologists per capita in the EU and there is a critical need for investment in cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI.
Director of advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation Chris Macey said: 'The absence of a policy framework for the prevention, detection and treatment of CVD, along with services that maximise patients' health and wellbeing in the community, is preventing the development of lifesaving services.'
In addition, for those discharged from hospital, access to cardiac and stroke rehabilitation remains inadequate, they are also struggling due to the high costs associated with having a CVD condition and the widespread absence of psychological support to deal with the trauma of having a stroke, heart attack or other heart disease diagnosis.
The Irish Heart Foundation is also asking the Oireachtas heart and stroke group to support action to increase awareness, treatment and control of high blood pressure which affects 1.5 million people in Ireland and is the biggest risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The charity is also calling for the implementation of the National Stroke Strategy to ensure stroke survivors are admitted to dedicated stroke units, which reduce death and severe disability.
Greater investment in cardiac rehabilitation programmes is also needed, which can reduce deaths from heart disease by at least a fifth, but which are understaffed and under-resourced nationwide.
Mr Macey said that for the first time in several years, the Irish Heart Foundation is optimistic about the future prospects of heart patients and stroke survivors.
'The sector is united. It has a vision that can address current deficits and futureproof services for the rapid upsurge in heart disease and stroke due to our expanding and ageing population,' he said.
'This can deliver big reductions in preventable death and disability, through more cost- effective services, but it can only be achieved if policymakers make CVD a national health priority in the midst of so many crucial competing needs across our health services and our population.'
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