Irish Heart Foundation

Irish Heart Foundation The Irish Heart Foundation has been here for 60 years protecting cardiovascular health, preventing needless loss & supporting families across Ireland.

We are here for every community, every school & every workplace. Here for every heartbeat. RCN: 2000837 Join us in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Visit www.irishheart.ie

03/09/2026

60 Years. Six Decades of Change

In 2004, after years of campaigning by the Irish Heart Foundation, Ireland introduced a nationwide workplace smoking ban, a landmark moment for public health and a major step forward in protecting people from the harms of to***co and second-hand smoke.

Two years later, the Irish Heart Foundation launched its Nurse Support Line, giving people living with heart disease and stroke direct access to trusted advice, support and reassurance from specialist nurses.

Together, these milestones highlight two important sides of our work: advocating for healthier environments and providing support when people need it most.

More than two decades later, their impact can still be felt across Ireland.

Advocacy doesn't just inform. It saves lives.

Still here for every heartbeat.

Explore more from our 60-year journey at irishheart.ie

27/08/2026

60 Years. Six Decades of Change

The 1990s marked an important decade for education, awareness and prevention.

In 1995, the Irish Heart Foundation became the first American Heart Association International Training Centre outside the USA, helping bring lifesaving CPR and emergency care training to communities across Ireland.

A year later, Action for Life introduced heart health education into schools, helping children build healthy habits from an early age.

1996 also saw the launch of Heart Week, which started a national conversation about heart disease and the importance of understanding and managing risk factors.

These initiatives helped empower people with the knowledge and skills to protect their health and respond when a life was on the line.

When people understand their risk, they act sooner.

Still here for every heartbeat.

Explore more from our 60-year journey at irishheart.ie

20/08/2026

60 Years. Six Decades of Change

In 1985, the Irish Heart Foundation supported the groundbreaking Kilkenny Health Project, helping transform how we think about heart disease in Ireland.

The project helped raise awareness of heart disease in Ireland and highlighted the powerful role prevention can play in protecting heart health. It reinforced an important message that remains at the core of our work today: healthier lifestyles can help reduce the risk of heart disease and support longer, healthier lives.

More than four decades later, prevention remains one of the most powerful tools we have to protect heart health and reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease.

Still here for every heartbeat.

Explore more from our 60-year journey at irishheart.ie

13/08/2026

60 Years. Six Decades of Change

In 1966, a small group of medical leaders came together with a simple but powerful belief: heart disease and stroke did not have to be accepted as inevitable.

Led by pioneering cardiologist Professor Risteárd Mulcahy, the Irish Heart Foundation was founded with just ten members and a clear mission to prevent premature death and disability from cardiovascular disease.

During the years that followed, advocacy by the Irish Heart Foundation helped bring coronary care units to hospitals across Ireland, transforming emergency heart care and dramatically improving survival from heart attacks.

In 1970, a pilot cardiac ambulance service launched, helping bring lifesaving care closer to people when every minute mattered, laying the foundations for today’s emergency cardiac response.

Sixty years on, the mission remains the same: to be here for every heartbeat.

Explore more moments from our 60 year journey at irishheart.ie

This Father’s Day, take a moment to think about the men in our lives 💙Dads, grandads, brothers, friends. The people who ...
21/06/2026

This Father’s Day, take a moment to think about the men in our lives 💙
Dads, grandads, brothers, friends. The people who show up every day.

In Ireland, 1 in 4 men dies of heart disease and stroke. Many of these can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes.

This Men’s Health Week, we’ve been encouraging everyone to take things One Step at a Time. Today is a powerful reminder to keep going.

If you’re looking for a place to start – or something to share with someone you care about – our My Heart Health booklet is a great first step.

👉 Download it for free here:
https://irishheart.ie/publications/my-heart-health/

Because looking after your heart means more time for what matters most.

Men’s Health Week starts today 💙In Ireland, heart disease and stroke remain one of the biggest threats to men’s health –...
15/06/2026

Men’s Health Week starts today 💙

In Ireland, heart disease and stroke remain one of the biggest threats to men’s health – accounting for over 5,000 deaths last year. But small changes can make a big difference.

This Men's Health Week, we’re focusing on One Step at a Time.
Because every positive step counts, whether that's moving more, eating better or checking your blood pressure.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one step today.

This National Volunteering Week, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of our volunteers. 💛 Volunteers across the coun...
21/05/2026

This National Volunteering Week, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of our volunteers. 💛

Volunteers across the country play a vital role in supporting people affected by heart disease and stroke, giving their time, compassion and connection to those who need it most. We want to say a heartfelt thank you to every one of you.

We’re also proud to spotlight Catherine, one of our dedicated Community Group Volunteers in Dundalk. Through her role with her local Stroke Support Group, she helps create a welcoming space where people can share experiences and support one another.

“We’re one big happy family… it’s a safe space for everyone to talk and share their experiences.”

Thank you Catherine and thank you to all our volunteers for the difference you make.

👉 Read more about Catherine’s story: https://irishheart.ie/news/national-volunteer-week-2026/

Today is World Hypertension Day and for many people, high blood pressure comes without any warning signs. Rebecca Fitzsi...
17/05/2026

Today is World Hypertension Day and for many people, high blood pressure comes without any warning signs.

Rebecca Fitzsimons, 71, a retired French and English teacher from Clontarf in Dublin was very active and generally felt well. She had no symptoms, no warning signs and no reason to think anything was wrong. So when a GP check-up revealed she had high blood pressure, it came as a complete shock.

“I had nothing. I didn’t even get a headache, and I’m very active,” she says.

High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because it can have no symptoms. But it can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other serious conditions.

Rebecca’s first reading was borderline high. A follow-up appointment with her GP a month later confirmed the diagnosis.

Instead of ignoring it, she decided to take action.

She made simple but important lifestyle changes; losing weight, improving her sleep, avoiding late-night eating and switching to a Mediterranean-style diet.

Over time, those changes brought her blood pressure back to normal.

Now, Rebecca is encouraging others to get their blood pressure checked.

“I don’t want a sudden stroke. It’s the silent killer. I would be delighted if somebody could be alerted and say, ‘maybe I should get that checked’.”

Her story reflects a wider issue, many people in Ireland may have high blood pressure without even knowing it.

The reality is simple: you won’t know unless you get it checked.

✅ It’s quick
✅ It’s easy
✅ It could save your life

👉 Looking after your blood pressure starts with a simple check.

No one should face heart disease or stroke alone and with our nurses, no one has to.From a call when you’re worried, to ...
12/05/2026

No one should face heart disease or stroke alone and with our nurses, no one has to.
From a call when you’re worried, to a health check that could change everything, to support after diagnosis, they’re there through it all.
This International Nurses Day, we’re saying thank you to the nurses who show up every day to support people on their heart health journey. Thank you 💓

Our team stepped out for Move Everyday in May, proving that small actions can make a big impact.People all over Ireland ...
08/05/2026

Our team stepped out for Move Everyday in May, proving that small actions can make a big impact.

People all over Ireland are getting involved to protect heart health and help ensure no more loved ones are lost to heart disease, stroke and thrombosis.

Supported by McCauley’s, Allcare and Hickey’s pharmacies.

Thank you to everyone taking part and donating.

Address

17-19 Rathmines Road Lower
Dublin
D06C780

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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