An Offaly teacher who has been given a new lease of life after suffering heart failure, has spoken of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Nicholas Hines, a teacher at Oaklands Community College in Edenderry had to have a heart transplant after a stroke revealed he had serious cardiac problems. Specialised medics were unable to successfully manage his heart failure so two years ago, he underwent the transplant which transformed his life.
The 47-year-old reflected on his journey saying: “My health today is actually better than it was before the stroke in 2020, I never imagined I’d feel this good again. It really shows how important early diagnosis is. Catching these conditions early can make all the difference. I’m lucky mine was found when it was.”
Originally from Minnesota, Nicholas moved to Ireland from the United States in 2002 and is and now living in Clonaslee, Co Laois.
After suffering a stroke in 2020, the father-of-three was admitted to Naas General Hospital, where further investigations revealed underlying dilated cardiomyopathy and sarcoidosis—serious conditions affecting heart function and overall health.
He was later transferred to Dublin’s Tallaght University Hospital, where he received specialist treatment for advanced heart failure but his condition continued to progress despite intensive medical management and in 2024, he underwent the heart transplant.
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Nicholas was speaking as part of European Heart Failure Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, May 3 and focuses on the theme ‘Awareness Today, Protection Tomorrow’.
Looking back on what helped him through the surgery, Nicholas stated: “My heart failure nurse was a total guide throughout everything. She helped me understand what to look for, what to monitor, and how to manage my condition day to day.”
The third-year maths teacher continued: “The heart failure nurses are absolutely fantastic—they don’t just treat you, they empower you.” He has now returned to work and describes his life as active and fulfilling.”
Emer Burke, President of The Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses said that Mr Hines’s experience demonstrates the significance of heart failure nurses’ role in empowering patients to live well with heart failure.
She expressed: “Our heart failure nurses are delighted to support this campaign and we look forward to attending the nationwide roadshows to offer education, signposting and support.”
“Seek medical attention for any symptoms you may have and learn about your risk now, as awareness today really does impact on protection tomorrow.”
The serious health condition affects 10,000 new patients in Ireland every year and is the leading cause of hospitalisation in over-65s – but public awareness of the symptoms is low.
In order to combat that lack of awareness, three heart organisations have organised pop-up ‘Heart Failure Awareness Roadshows’ which are taking place across the country.
Heart failure affects an estimated 137,000 people in Ireland but experts say it remains overlooked and misunderstood.
Crucial warning signs including breathlessness, fatigue, swollen ankles or legs and rapid weight gain.
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Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director at the Irish Heart Foundation explained: “Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped, it means it is not pumping blood as effectively as it should. Neither does it mean the end of life: with early diagnosis, treatment, and support, people can live well.”
She added: “Awareness of heart failure symptoms and how the condition can be managed is low. By meeting people on streets, in shopping centres and local hubs, we can make heart health information more accessible and impactful.”
Members of the public visiting the pop-up events will be offered free blood pressure and heart health checks; one-to-one advice from specialist heart failure nurses; information on recognising the signs and symptoms of heart failure; guidance on lifestyle changes to support heart health and resources for patients, families and carers.
The public events, running until May 8 are being organised by the Irish Heart Foundation as well as Croí – the heart and stroke charity and the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses. It will be visiting locations in Athlone, Donegal town, Waterford, Galway, Dublin, Cavan, Cork and Limerick.
Dr Lisa Hynes, Head of Health Programmes at Croí acknowledged: “Through this campaign and our community roadshow, we want to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to recognise symptoms early and seek help.”