Free heart health checks coming to Kilkenny this week

The Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit will be in Kilkenny next week as part of its drive to offer free heart health checks in communities throughout Ireland.

Additionally, in a collaboration between the charity and Hidden Hearing, free earwax checks and video otoscopy to check ear health will also be available. On Tuesday, August 11, both organisations’ Mobile Health Units will be parked at Loughboy Library, Loughboy Shopping Centre, Waterford Road, from 10am until 2.45pm.

Members of the public have the chance to have their blood pressure checked in a bid to promote heart health and early detection of hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.

They can also ask for a free hearing health check provided by Hidden Hearing, with no appointment needed. Every year, the Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit offers up to 10,000 free blood pressure checks, helping to identify individuals who may be unaware of their hypertension.

Expert nurses provide lifestyle advice and information on maintaining heart health during the checks, which can help detect atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious health issues.