Photo: Getty Images
By Contributor
14th May 2021
Young women with heart disease are often overlooked, says
Sheilagh Foley
When I found out I had an appointment with the ‘Heart Failure Clinic’ at the age of 41 I was less than optimistic. Failure? Seriously? I was curious what other clinic names were in the mix before they settled on ‘Failure’ – ‘The Jesus, Mary and Joseph Clinic’? ‘The Yerra Good Luck Clinic’? or perhaps ‘The Janniemac Institute of Wellness’? In fairness to my local hospital they did some rebranding and now go by the more hug friendly ‘Heart Support Unit’.
Names and labels aside these clinics around the country keep people alive through education, support and good old fashioned virtual hand holding. If any of your organs are failing it’s an unpleasant experience all round but when it’s your heart it takes on a personal edge.