Dr Makki, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist in the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee (BSHT) and Marie Flynn, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse in the BSHT attended a meeting of the Killarney Women’s Organisation for Training & Empowerment (KWOTE¬) on Wednesday the 19th of October.
Approximately 60 women braved the stormy weather to hear Dr Makki and Marie speak about heart health and how the symptoms of heart disease differ between men and women.
Dr Makki opened his presentation with an image of a man clenching his chest. He pointed out that if you conduct a Google search that a male image is most likely to appear when you search the words ‘heart disease’ or ‘heart attack’. Dr Makki used this image to highlight how heart disease is often considered a man’s disease however, Dr Makki stressed that heart disease does not discriminate as statistics show that 1 in 4 women in Ireland die from heart disease and stroke with women six times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than breast cancer.
Dr Makki explained that many women do not believe they’re having a heart attack or are too busy to attend the Hospital therefore, it can be days before they present for treatment. Research conducted one year post a heart attack shows that this delay can unfortunately lead to a higher mortality in women.
Dr Makki discussed the risk factors associated with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Marie went through the current guidelines on exercise, strength training, the benefits of being physically active and the importance of healthy eating.
Dr Makki and Marie’s presentation concluded with a Q & A Session. The ladies of KWOTE were a really interactive group and asked questions about Atrial Fibrillation (AF), who needs a Pacemaker, what is a Pulmonary Embolus (blood clot in the lung); to what is a left bundle branch block.
Dr Makki and Marie Flynn would like to say thank you to Mairead and the KWOTE group for the very warm welcome they received. They would also like to thank Billy O’ Sullivan from the Cardiac Support Group Heartbeat Killarney for his help in arranging the meeting. Dr Makki and Marie were delighted to be invited and would be happy to make a return visit any time.
