Strokes are third leading cause of death in Ireland
By Mary Dennehy
DID you know that stroke is the third leading cause of death in Ireland and the leading cause of adult neurological disability?
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) and Thrombosis Ireland are together holding a free public information and support meeting in Rua Red on Wednesday, October 17 – which aims to raise awareness around clots and a condition called Atrial Fibrillation.
According to Ronan Collins, Consultant Physician in Geriatric and Stroke Medicine at TUH, Atrial Fibrillation is an irregularity in heart rhythm – which leads to clot formation in the chamber of the heart.
The condition, which affects people of all ages and 5 per cent of people over 60 and 10 per cent over 80, can be caused by lifestyle such as high alcohol intake and blood pressure.
However, according to Dr Collins, the majority of cases are down to aging.
“The risk of a stroke reduces substantially once you know you have [Atrial Fibrillation],” Dr Collins said.
“In the majority of cases there are no symptoms but you can examine yourself for Atrial Fibrillation by learning how to take your pulse.
“People can also go to their GP and if there is an irregularity go for an ECG.”
According to Dr Collins one out of three strokes is caused by Atrial Fibrillation.
Deep vein thrombosis, which involves a clot forming in the leg and travelling to the lungs, will also be discussed at the information evening, and advice and tips given on how people and patients in hospital can help prevent clotting.
Dr Aine Connolly, a Senior Psychologist, at TUH will also be providing practical advice on how to cope after a health shock or stint in hospital.
“Having a health scare can leave people shook up,” Dr Collins said.
“However, there are things that people can do to help them overcome anxiety… and practical advice will be given [during the information evening] on coping after a shock.”
He added: “The evening hopes to make people aware of clots and what they can do themselves [to help prevent them].
“It’s about getting people more educated and helping them to take control.”
Ann Marie O’ Neill, patient and founder of Thrombosis Ireland, and Dr Johnny McHugh, Consultant Haematologist, will also speak on the night.
Doors open for the event in the Rua Red arts centre, Tallaght, at 6.30pm on Wednesday, October 17 – with the session starting promptly at 7pm and running until 8.30pm.
The event is free however, registration is required.
To register for the event in Rua Red County Arts Centre, Tallaght, email info [at] thrombosisireland [dot] ie or call 087 3634828.
