Awareness Gap Could Cost Lives

In a bold move to protect women's health, Weber Shandwick has launched a powerful campaign following alarming findings about heart attack symptom awareness among women in Ireland. Recent research conducted by Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, and Global Heart Hub (GHH) has unearthed a shocking reality: many women remain dangerously uninformed.

The Shocking Statistics

Heart disease looms as a leading killer for women in Ireland, responsible for one in four female deaths. Yet, despite the stakes, a mere 3% of surveyed women could accurately identify all signs of a heart attack. Even more concerning, only half understood that women might experience different symptoms than men.

‘Her Final Search’ Campaign Launches

To combat this lack of awareness, Croí and GHH have introduced the 'Her Final Search' initiative. This campaign aims to shed light on the unique heart attack symptoms women may face, such as jaw, neck, and back pain. It features poignant videos portraying the final online searches of women who tragically lost their lives due to heart conditions.

A Heartbreaking Story Inspires a Movement

The campaign is centered around the heartbreaking story of Lynn Witham, a 60-year-old woman from the UK. Lynn was found deceased beside her tablet, where she had been searching for heart attack signs. Her niece, Rosie Morgan, poignantly stated, "If there had been greater awareness of these symptoms, my aunt might still be here today. It's vital to trust your instincts about your health—don’t hesitate to seek help, because every moment counts!"

Why This Matters for Women Everywhere

Globally, heart disease remains the foremost threat to women's health, with coronary heart conditions taking more lives than breast cancer combined. Shockingly, women are typically 37 minutes slower to seek medical help during heart attacks compared to men—a delay that could be perilous.

A Call to Action

Annie Faherty Costelloe, head of patient community engagement at Croí, urged for urgent action: 37;Heart attack symptoms in women are often subtler, making recognition and treatment challenging. With awareness so low, we must intensify our efforts to educate women across Ireland about these critical differences.27; It's time to empower women to understand their bodies and respond promptly to life-threatening situations!