42 % more women than men die from stroke in Ireland, according to new statistics.

The Irish Heart Foundation are urging women to be extra vigilant of the warning signs of stroke, ahead of National Stroke Week.

In total 1,174 women died from stroke in 2013, compared to 827 men.

In counties such as Carlow, Clare, Offaly, Monaghan, Roscommon and Sligo the difference was even higher, with stroke-related mortality among women close to or exceeding double that of men. While in Laois, the rate was almost three times higher.

Kilkenny and Leitrim were the only two counties that had higher mortality among men.

Chris Macey, Head of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about the statistics:

Originally published 23/03/2015