Happy St. Patrick's Day! ` In honor of the Irish Heart Foundation

I have posted a little bit of information about the Irish Heart Foundation in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Heart Disease is an issue globally, and it is wonderful to see advocacy across the planet!! Irish blessings to you! Love! Desiree
About Us

What is the Irish Heart Foundation?
The Irish Heart Foundation is Ireland's only national charity for heart health and is working to reduce premature death and disability from heart disease and stroke.

What Does the Irish Heart Foundation Do?
The Irish Heart Foundation:

* Provides information on heart health to the public and media
* Supports patients in managing heart disease and stroke
* Provides heart health programmes in schools and workplaces
* Co-ordinates the training of medics and the public in emergency lifesaving skills (CPR)
* Supports research, education and development in the medical profession
* Advocates better patient treatment and services

We are a member of:
The European Heart Network
The World Heart Federation

Heart disease - Ireland's No.1 Killer
Approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD) - including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and other circulatory diseases. CVD is the most common cause of death in Ireland, accounting for 36% of all deaths. The largest number of these deaths relate to CHD - mainly heart attack - at 5,000. 22% of premature deaths (under age 65) are from CVD.

Stroke
Approximately 2,500 people die from stroke each year accounting for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer and bowel cancer combined. Up to 10,000 people suffer stroke annually and there is an estimated 30,000 people in the community with residual disability from stroke. In April 2008, the Irish Heart Foundation commissioned the first national audit on stroke care. The report is made up of six surveys which assessed stroke care from all perspectives - patient, carer, GPs, nursing homes and hospital staff. It confirmed that between 350 and 500 lives could be saved annually if stroke units were introduced into Irish hospitals.

History
The Irish Heart Foundation was established in 1966.