The aim of the initiative is to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.  The ten week programme will focus on healthy lifestyle changes like; quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and weight and partaking in regular physical activity. 

A focus will also be placed on management of other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Coronary Heart Disease  remains a leading cause of death in Northern Ireland. Around 74,000 people here are living with CHD, 60 percent of whom are male. In total coronary conditions account for 36 percent of adults deaths in the North through a combination of chest, heart or stroke conditions. 

The funding secured for this programme will enable local patients who have had a heart attack, or other vascular disease, such as a mini stroke or peripheral arterial disease to avail of advice and guidance from medical professionals. Those who are at risk of heart disease or stroke will also be able to attend as the programme endeavours to prevent this progressing further. 

Dr Susan Connolly, Western Trust Consultant Cardiologist at SWAH said, “I am absolutely delighted that we have secured funding for this innovative programme in recognition of the value of prevention and investing in it.

Heart attack and stroke remain a real issue in Northern Ireland principally due to high smoking rates, poor diet, physical inactivity and obesity levels.  These factors are also associated with other chronic diseases including cancer, type 2 diabetes and dementia. 

However, there is good evidence that healthy lifestyle change even in mid-life, as well as reducing blood pressure and cholesterol can reduce one’s risk of developing them. This funding gives us a real opportunity to help our patients in the Western Trust area to achieve measurably healthier, longer lives