National cardiovascular risk prevention clinics can help patients control hypertension and reduce their risk of cardiac conditions, clinicians tell TDs and Senators<\/p>\n
Up to 80 per cent of strokes are preventable through earlier detection and better management of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly high blood pressure, an Oireachtas briefing has heard.<\/p>\n
Clinicians told TDs and Senators that the establishment of national cardiovascular risk-prevention clinics is key to moving away from a system of inconsistent and delayed detection that is a feature of current care.<\/p>\n
\u201cHypertension is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease and stroke in Ireland, and if detected early can be better managed to greatly reduce cardiovascular risk factors,\u201d said Dr Susan Connolly, integrated care cardiologist at Galway University Hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately our current health system features inconsistent detection, fragmented care, and inadequate follow-up, and our goal now is to foster a prevention-focused, evidence-based, cost-effective pathway in partnership with patients that allows them to better manage hypertension and significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
The briefing took place ahead of World Hypertension Day, taking place this Sunday, May 17. Hypertension is one of the most significant, and most addressable, risk factors driving cardiovascular disease and stroke. An Expert Steering Group on Hypertension Management has been established to help address this challenge by developing a comprehensive clinical pathway for healthcare providers and patients.<\/p>\n
According to the Irish Heart Foundation, around 7,500 strokes take place in Ireland each year, but 6,000 of these are preventable by actions like monitoring hypertension in at-risk patients.<\/p>\n
Consultant geriatrician Prof R\u00f3n\u00e1n Collins of Tallaght University Hospital said: \u201cStroke and cardiovascular disease continue to be leading causes of death and disability, with hypertension the silent, modifiable driver of risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrevention is achievable, but requires a deliberate decision to detect earlier, act earlier and more consistently, moving from pilots and pockets of excellence to national delivery in the form of cardiovascular risk prevention clinics that align with the EU Safe Hearts plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Leinster House briefing explored the current gaps and opportunities in detecting and managing hypertension and cardiovascular risk in the community and the critical role of prevention-led, integrated care in reducing avoidable disease and health system pressure.<\/p>\n
The event also launched a national \u2018call-to-action\u2019 for patient involvement in the development of a clear pathway to support the effectiveness of the new clinics.<\/p>\n