The Crescent Shopping Centre will host a pop-up Heart Failure Awareness Roadshow on May 7 from 10am to 2pm, giving members of the public a chance to get free heart health checks and speak directly with specialist nurses.
The event is running as part of a wider national campaign led by the Irish Heart Foundation, Croí, and the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses.
“Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped, it means it is not pumping blood as effectively as it should,” said Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director at the Irish Heart Foundation. “Neither does it mean the end of life: with early diagnosis, treatment, and support, people can live well.”
She said bringing information into everyday public spaces is key to changing understanding.
“By meeting people on streets, in shopping centres and local hubs, we can make heart health information more accessible and impactful,” she said.
Heart failure affects an estimated 137,000 people in Ireland, with around 10,000 new diagnoses each year.
It is also the leading cause of hospitalisation among people over 65, yet experts say awareness of the condition remains low.
Dr Lisa Hynes, Head of Health Programmes at Croí, said: “Heart failure can be a life-altering condition, but with early diagnosis and the right support, people can live well.”
“Through this campaign and our community roadshow, we want to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to recognise symptoms early and seek help,” she said.
She said many people still don’t realise how subtle early symptoms can be.
“Breathlessness, fatigue, swollen ankles or legs, rapid weight gain, these are signs people might ignore or put down to something else,” she explained.
The event will also shine a light on the work of specialist heart failure nurses, who play a big role in ongoing patient care.
“Heart failure nurses are at the frontline of patient care,” said Emer Burke, Heart Failure Nurse Specialist and President of the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses.
“This initiative not only raises awareness but also showcases the importance of expert-led, patient-centred care.”