New research has found that 74% of male farmers have four, or more, risk factors for heart disease.

This means that they are three times more likely to have an acute cardiac event (stroke or heart attack) compared with those with fewer risk factors.

Some 75% of all farmers participating in the research were advised to visit their GP to get further support and advice.

The study involved Teagasc, the National Centre for Men’s Health (NCMH) at IT Carlow, the Irish Heart Foundation, Glanbia Ireland, the HSE and UCD.

Some 868 male farmers took part in health checks in marts and Glanbia Ireland Agribusiness branches across the south, east and midlands.

Positives

The lead author of the study Diana van Doorn, a PhD Walsh scholar at Teagasc and the NCMH at IT Carlow, said that while the top-line figures paint a worrying picture, there are positives.

“We found that the majority of farmers reported having visited their GP in the past year, fewer farmers smoke or drink compared to the general population and farmers, by virtue of their occupation, get a lot of physical activity.

“There are however areas of concern identified by the study.”

Concern

The results show that the majority of farmers (85.9%) are either overweight or obese. This is substantially higher than the national average for Irish men (68%).

Four in five (80.5%) farmers were classified as having an ‘at risk’ waist circumference of greater than 94cm (37in). Abdominal weight is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Of those farmers not already prescribed medication for blood pressure (585), cholesterol (588) and/or blood glucose (588), 43.8% had high blood pressure, 62.6% raised total cholesterol and 29.4% elevated blood glucose.

This indicates either a lack of awareness or an incomplete understanding of CVD or the risks associated with it, researchers said.

In relation to eating habits, the majority of farmers (72.1%) reported consuming salty and/or sugary snacks on a daily basis, which is higher than the national average of 34% (not gender specific).

One in five farmers (21.9%) reported consuming deep-fried food three or more times a week, while most (79.3%) reported not meeting the recommended daily intake of five or more portions of fruit and vegetables. This is higher than 70% of the national population of Irish males.

COVID-19

Marese Damery of the Irish Heart Foundation said: “We have seen already through the COVID-19 crisis that one out of every two patients presenting to intensive care units have serious heart conditions, with more men than women becoming critically ill.

“This research has shown that farmers have multiple heart and stroke risk factors and really highlights the importance of providing farmers and men in general with local access to health checks and intervention programmes. We hope that by continuing to work in collaboration, and leading the health checks, we can do this.”

Teagasc health and safety specialist Dr John McNamara said that the results of this research will yield valuable knowledge on ways to promote cardiovascular health among farmers.

He appealed to farmers to give cardiovascular disease prevention immediate attention.

“Don’t put off going to the doctor or taking the first steps to a healthier lifestyle. Do it today,” he said.

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