Report finds Irish farmers highly susceptible to cardiovascular disease
A new study from the Irish Heart Foundation has found that almost 80% of Irish farmers had four or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
86% of farmers tested were overweight or obese, while 82% had a family history of heart disease or stroke.
Almost half of farmers had high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol levels.
The data was gathered during free health checks offered to farmers at marts across the country.
As a result eight out of ten farmers were advised to see their GP for follow-up.
Research has found that farmers are seven times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than people working in other occupations.
