Pharmacists Call for Action on Heart Disease – Ireland’s Number 1 Killer
With over 10,000 people dying from heart disease each year, Carrigtwohill Pharmacy supports the Irish Pharmacy Union’s stance that a national cardiovascular screening service is urgently needed. We have vast experience on the real threat this poses to our communities health and we are committed to taking an active role in educating, advising and treating all our customers to the highest standard of care.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is calling on the Government to introduce a National Cardiovascular Screening Service through community pharmacies. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in Ireland, with approximately 10,000 people dying from it each year. Almost one in five people will develop heart failure at some point in their lives, but almost two-thirds are unaware of the risk.
Pharmacist Bernard Duggan said, “The introduction of this service through pharmacies could directly reduce the number of deaths from heart disease each year in Ireland. The average community pharmacy is open 50% longer than GP clinics, which increases the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of providing such a service for patients.
“We are calling on the Government to introduce a national screening service to support patients who may be at risk of developing CVD. The delivery of this service through pharmacies will not only save lives but will save money by reducing the need for expensive hospital care for those who are struck down with heart disease.”
Pharmacists are also available to assist patients who are on heart medication.
“There are a large number of different medicines for heart disease, depending on your situation. There are different guidelines for these medicines; some are better taken after food or at night. For examples, it is advisable to avoid grapefruit when on heart medications. Different medicines will have different side effects, so ask your pharmacist if you have any side effects or have any questions about the medicines you are taking,” Mr Duggan concluded.
If anyone has any questions relating to heart disease, it’s symptoms and what can be done to reduce the risk, please call into us here at Carrigtwohill Pharmacy. We are dedicated to our community and working to promote the health and well-being of our loyal customers. We are here to help. We are your community pharmacy.
