Irish Heart Foundation warns rising obesity levels parallel to upsurge in female strokes
Press release 2 July 2010
The Irish Heart Foundation has urged women to reduce their stroke risk by maintaining a healthy weight after US research found that stroke rates have tripled among those aged from late 30s to early 50s.
According to the US experts, the obesity epidemic is the likely reason for the sudden rise in female stroke cases which is believed to be counteracting advances in stroke preventive measures.
The research was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys which studied 10,000 men and women aged between 35 and 54 years old in two waves between 1988 and 1994; and 1999 to 2004. There was very little difference in stroke rates between men and women in the first wave but the stroke rate for women tripled in the second wave, which coincided with more women being obese during that period.
As the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, the Irish Heart Foundation has expressed concern that a similar trend could emerge here. The latest obesity figures (Slán) showed that 54% of Irish women are currently overweight or obese.
Irish Heart Foundation Medical Director Dr Angie Brown said: “The US research is very worrying when we consider that in the space of 10 years, the rate of stroke in women there has tripled. Right now in Ireland approximately 10,000 people suffer a stroke every year and about one quarter of those die from it. There is a misconception that cardiovascular disease – heart attack and stroke – mainly affects men. But in fact one and half times as many women die from stroke as men.
“Recent research (by the Institute of Public Health) showed the prevalence of stroke among Irish adults is expected to jump from 1.7% in 2007 to 2.1% in 2020. At the Irish Heart Foundation we are concerned that these trends will lead to a rise in younger women presenting with strokes in Ireland. Young women are the biggest smokers here (Slán) and when this is combined with obesity levels in women and the fact that 59% have high blood pressure, this is cause for serious worry.
“Leading a healthy, active lifestyle is vital to help reduce the risk of having a stroke. More women need to recognise that being overweight is a serious contributor to high blood pressure, especially when combined with drinking too much alcohol, eating too much salt and not eating enough fruit and vegetables. A woman can have high blood pressure and feel well, not have any symptoms, but it is a silent predator that can lead to stroke and heart attack. If a woman is overweight and smokes, her risk increases dramatically.”
According to the Irish Heart Foundation, the good news is while there are risk factors that women cannot change such as their family history and age; being overweight or obese is one risk that can be prevented and reduced with advice from their GP, by eating healthily, being active and cutting down on alcohol.
If you are worried about stroke problems or lifestyle issues, talk to an Irish Heart Foundation nurse on the Heart & Stroke Helpline on Locall 1890 432 787. Read about preventing stroke.
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