Heading off health risks before they can strike

If the Croí ‘MyAction’ programme were a drug it would be an international best seller.

The Galway programme – co-funded by the charity Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation, and the HSE West’s Primary Community and Continuing Care unit – is unique in Ireland.

It targets people who are at risk of cardiovascular disease in order to prevent heart disease and stroke.

The results after two years and 500 participants are quite remarkable – and those who partake don’t even have to dispense with their dignity by appearing in lycra on national television to do it.

On average there was a 50% cut in the numbers who smoke, a loss of nearly nine pounds in weight, a 4.5cm reduction in waist circumference, significant reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of stroke by 35%.

Anxiety and depression levels were halved, while 61% were now achieving the recommended physical activity levels.

It achieves these results by using a multi-disciplinary approach across all the main at-risk groups, explains programme manager Irene Gibson.

“It’s the first time in Ireland we’ve looked at integrating care for all conditions – heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and diabetes. What has happed in the past is that care was focused on people who have already had a cardiac event and the resources go into a rehabilitation programme. We’re intervening with an intensive lifestyle modification programme at the right time for individuals most at risk,” she explains.

Participants must get a referral from their GP for the programme. Across Galway 80% of GPs are now using the service. Croí also encourages people who may not even be aware they are in the danger zone to seek a GP referral on screening days in marts, shopping centres, work places and even pubs.

People who get one of the 350 places available a year on the course which lasts for up to four months may have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, they may be overweight, be a smoker, have a family history of heart or stroke problems and do little or no exercise. The vast majority are over 50.

Those who have so far participated have a significantly higher risk profile than the general populace, with 63% classified as obese; 91% taking little or no physical exercise; 50% with high blood pressure; 68% with high cholesterol; 35% suffering from anxiety and 23% classified as depressed.

The first thing a participant undergoes is a three-hour assessment involving a nurse, who measures blood pressure, cholesterol and other health factors, a dietician who takes a detailed look at diet as well as measurements such as weight, height and waist circumference and finally a physiotherapist who look sat exercise levels and any possible injuries or health issues.

Ms Gibson says the next step is to set small goals in a number of key areas which are realistic to kick off a healthier lifestyle.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.