Some 27 people die every day in Ireland as a result of heart disease and stroke, while almost 300 new cases are diagnosed daily, the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) has said.

In an effort to help those affected, the charity has launched a new freephone helpline number with longer daily opening hours. The helpline is staffed by trained specialist nurses, so callers can expect to receive confidential expert advice on a one-to-one basis.

Calls can now be made to the new number - 1800 25 25 50 - between the hours of 9am and 5pm every day, with late opening until 7pm on Thursdays. The IHF is hoping to expand these late evening hours to other evenings later in the year.

People can now also look for support via email at helpline@irishheart.ie

The IHF is hoping to expand its digital services later in the year by operating an online live chat service with nurses.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in Ireland, with almost 10,000 deaths every year. CVD includes coronary heart disease and stroke.

Stroke alone affects around 10,000 people per year and some 2,000 people die annually as a result. Around 30,000 people are currently living in Ireland with a stroke-related disability.

"It's important to emphasise that in the event of an emergency, an ambulance should be called. But for everything else, the IHF's National Heart and Stroke Helpline is here for you," commented the helpline's nurse manager, Patricia Hall.

She noted that studies have shown that almost two-thirds of middle-aged and older people have two of the three big risk factors for heart disease - obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

"Almost all - 94% - have at least one risk factor. The good news is 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. So, if you're worried about stroke or heart health, don't delay, call the helpline free of charge on our new freefone number," Ms Hall said.

The expansion of the helpline has been possible as a result of sponsorship by Life Pharmacy, which has nominated the IHF as its Charity of the Year 2016.

Meanwhile, with many people heading off on their summer holidays in the coming weeks and months, the IHF and Life Pharmacy have issued information on travelling abroad to people who have suffered a stroke or are living with a heart condition.

People are advised to:
-Check with their doctor about travelling. It is advisable to avoid going abroad for six to eight weeks after suffering a heart attack or stroke
-Always carry your identification card when travelling if you have an internal defibrillator or pacemaker. You can show this to airport security and ask to be hand searched
-Always keep extra supplies of your medication in your hand luggage in the event of your main luggage getting lost/delayed
-Give plenty of time to organise travel insurance as this can be complex if it involves pre-existing conditions
-Book assistance with the airport and airline well in advance if you think you will need help
-Try to pack lightly and use a suitcase with wheels

-Do not travel to places that are hilly or involve vigorous activities unless you are fully recovered and are fit enough to cope with these
-Do not go somewhere that involves extreme temperatures - hot or cold - as this may put extra strain on the heart
-Do not travel to countries at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, as the reduced air oxygen levels could lead to breathlessness or angina
-Protect yourself from the sun by wearing appropriate sunscreen and stay hydrated
-If you have an internal defibrillator or pacemaker, walk through the airport security device at a normal pace. Do not linger as this could affect your device's settings
Do not forget to apply for your free European Health Insurance Card, which allows you to receive medical treatment at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free, in Europe.

For more information on the IHF, click here