Older people in Northern Ireland are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease and life-limiting long-term illnesses than their counterparts in the Republic, a new study has found.

According to the findings, prevalence of coronary artery disease is 12% in Northern Ireland compared to 8% in the Republic, while the prevalence of limiting long-term illnesses is 80% higher in the North.

The study, which was led by researchers at Queen's University Belfast, involved an analysis of the rates and impacts of heart disease among people over the age of 50. It found that men over the age of 50 and people from lower socio-economic groups were particularly at risk of heart disease and associated health problems.

"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," commented the study's lead researcher, Prof Frank Kee, of Queen's University.

The study also found differing health behaviours in the north and south - with rates of smoking and obesity higher in the Republic and rates of diabetes, severe depression and physical inactivity higher in Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the findings, Dr Roger O'Sullivan, director of the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) which funded the report, emphaisised that heart disease is still a leading cause of death and disability throughout Ireland and prevalence here is ‘high by European standards'.

"The number of adults who will have heart disease in their lifetime is projected to rise rapidly as our population ages. These new findings emphasise the need to bring forward initiatives to reduce the risks of heart disease," he commented.

The full report can be viewed here

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