A staggering 74% of farmers who recently attended their local mart to have their blood pressure (BP) checked were told their levels were above the recommended rate.

Not alone that, a further 10% required an urgent referral to their GP and/or A&E for an immediate recheck. In these cases, the check was potentially lifesaving.

What’s significant, is the prevalence of high BP at 74%. This is much higher than any previously reported BP findings among the farming community with the most recent data reporting a prevalence of 46%.

The Irish Farmers Journal contacted Croí, the heart and stroke charity, to carry out the testing. This took place at six Irish Farmers Journal beef and sheep mart demos that took place in six marts in the west of Ireland over November and December.

While the news was good for some, many others had BP readings well above European Society of Cardiology (ESC) targets (140/90mmHg) and were advised to seek immediate medical attention.

“When blood pressure levels are above target, we have a duty of care to ensure the patient seeks medical advice,” says Annie Costelloe of Croí.

Irene Gibson is director of programmes with Croí, she says: “We generally carry out 3,000 screenings per year, about 10-40% of people in the general population would have high blood pressure. The fact that the farming group is at 74% shows that they are a very high-risk group, albeit they were older than the sample in the general population.

“This screening with farmers worked. They were very engaged with it and it shows that if you want an effective initiative you have to bring it right into the community.”

In all, 189 individuals were screened (172 males and 17 females). Age range varied from 30-89 years old, with a mean age of 60 years.

A total of 140 (74%) individuals presented with elevated BP levels over the recommended level of 140/90mmHg, with an additional 29 (15%) individuals being classified in the high-normal category (130-139mmHg and/or 85-89mmHg).

A total of 18 (10%) individuals were referred to their GP/A&E for immediate recheck within 24 hours.

A further 116 (61%) individuals were referred to their GP within a three-month period.

What do the findings mean?

Rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are known to be higher among the farming community, with recent Irish research highlighting that farmers are seven times more susceptible to cardiovascular disease.

The findings from this health initiative reinforce this and are of great concern.

For the 10% of individuals who required urgent referral to their GP or A&E this was potentially lifesaving, with a further 61% recommended to engage with their GP over the coming months.

Over one-third of farmers are not attending their GP on a regular basis (or if at all) for an assessment of BP or a wider cardiovascular risk assessment which best practice guidelines (European Society of Cardiology) recommended for all men over the age of 40 years.

According to Croí, these events highlight the importance of early detection and screening, particularly as high BP generally does not cause any symptoms. The importance of bringing screening into the heart of the community cannot be underestimated, with many individuals reporting the ease of access and the no cost as the main influencers in them taking the proactive step to attend.

When asked about the last time they had their blood pressure checked the responses in Figure 1 were received.

High BP is the number one cause of premature death worldwide and is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. High blood pressure is very common in Ireland, with 64% of Irish adults over the age of 50 years suffering from the condition.

Known as the “silent killer”, high BP rarely causes any signs or symptoms; therefore the only way to detect the condition is to have it measured.

The aim of this initiative was to raise awareness of blood pressure as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The health check, which was conducted by cardiac nurse specialists, included an assessment of BP and pulse (to detect for a cardiac condition known as atrial fibrillation).

Each individual received a personal record card with their results, along with personalised lifestyle advice supported by relevant educational materials. In accordance with best practice guidelines, all individuals with elevated BP levels and/or an irregular heart rate were referred on to their GP for further follow-up.

In Clare, the Croí health checks were carried out in conjunction with a beef and sheep information evening provided by the Farmers Journal team and hosted by Clare Marts. Five similar events took place across the west over the past few weeks.

James O’Dea from Coolmeen heard about the checks on radio and also got a test from the mart. He was delighted with his results. “They told me I had a textbook result. There’s no harm doing it and it would make you feel good.”

It was the same for Mary and Kevin McNamara from Cranny. “It’s a good time of year to run these checks as you have no time for yourself during the summer. Thankfully all was good and that gives us great peace of mind.”

Con Hunt is a suckler farmer from Tulla and he heard about the checks from a text sent by the mart. “I like that it’s nice and casual here, not nerve wracking like at the doctor’s.”

Drystock farmer Nelius Morrissey from Cooraclare admitted he had some work to do. “I’ve put on a bit of weight and had my blood pressure checked last May. It was a bit high then and it still is. I’m on tablets and I want to ensure they are working. I found the nursing staff here very helpful and informative.”