Menu
26/03/2015
Higher Rates Of Heart Disease Among Older People In NI
Older people living in Northern Ireland are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease compared to those in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). They are also far more likely to have a limiting long-term illness and disability, according to a study funded by Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI).
The study was led by researchers from the UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health at Queen's University Belfast.
The study, led by Professor Frank Kee, Director of the Centre of Excellence and Deputy Director of the Centre for Public Health, examined the rates and impacts of heart disease among people over 50 by analysing existing datasets-The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA, 2011) and Northern Ireland Health Survey (NIHS, 2011)
It also found significant differences in health behaviours linked with the risk of heart disease. While rates of obesity and smoking in the over 50s are higher in the Republic of Ireland, rates of physical inactivity, diabetes and severe depression are higher in Northern Ireland.
The prevalence of coronary heart disease is 12% in Northern Ireland compared to 8% in the Republic of Ireland, while prevalence of limiting long-term illness is 80% higher in Northern Ireland. The research highlighted the particular vulnerability of men over 50 and people in lower socio-economic positions.
Professor Frank Kee said: "When examining datasets on health among older people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland it is apparent that rates of heart disease and associated disability are higher in Northern Ireland. Significant differences also exist along socio-economic, gender and age lines. The findings illustrate the need to tackle key risk factors, especially physical inactivity among older people in Ireland, both north and south."
(CD/MH)
The study was led by researchers from the UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health at Queen's University Belfast.
The study, led by Professor Frank Kee, Director of the Centre of Excellence and Deputy Director of the Centre for Public Health, examined the rates and impacts of heart disease among people over 50 by analysing existing datasets-The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA, 2011) and Northern Ireland Health Survey (NIHS, 2011)
It also found significant differences in health behaviours linked with the risk of heart disease. While rates of obesity and smoking in the over 50s are higher in the Republic of Ireland, rates of physical inactivity, diabetes and severe depression are higher in Northern Ireland.
The prevalence of coronary heart disease is 12% in Northern Ireland compared to 8% in the Republic of Ireland, while prevalence of limiting long-term illness is 80% higher in Northern Ireland. The research highlighted the particular vulnerability of men over 50 and people in lower socio-economic positions.
Professor Frank Kee said: "When examining datasets on health among older people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland it is apparent that rates of heart disease and associated disability are higher in Northern Ireland. Significant differences also exist along socio-economic, gender and age lines. The findings illustrate the need to tackle key risk factors, especially physical inactivity among older people in Ireland, both north and south."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 May 2021
30 Times More People Waiting Over 6 Months For Heart Surgery
30 times more people are waiting over six months for heart surgery in Northern Ireland than a year ago, according to analysis by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland. The latest figures show the seismic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on potentially life saving surgery for heart patients as services were pushed to the limit.
30 Times More People Waiting Over 6 Months For Heart Surgery
30 times more people are waiting over six months for heart surgery in Northern Ireland than a year ago, according to analysis by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland. The latest figures show the seismic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on potentially life saving surgery for heart patients as services were pushed to the limit.
30 October 2019
NICHS: New Eye Test May Detect Heart Conditions
Groundbreaking research carried out in Northern Ireland is on the cusp of creating a high street eye test that detects heart conditions.
NICHS: New Eye Test May Detect Heart Conditions
Groundbreaking research carried out in Northern Ireland is on the cusp of creating a high street eye test that detects heart conditions.
03 March 2015
Children's Heart Surgery In NI Ends
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Jim Wells has confirmed he has formally accepted proposals for a single, all-Ireland children's heart surgery centre to be based in Dublin. The decision by Minister Wells means the current service at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) is to stop.
Children's Heart Surgery In NI Ends
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Jim Wells has confirmed he has formally accepted proposals for a single, all-Ireland children's heart surgery centre to be based in Dublin. The decision by Minister Wells means the current service at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) is to stop.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
