The disastrous smoking habits of the Irish have been highlighted in two new studies — we are far more prone than other Europeans to continue smoking after suffering a stroke and one in 10 of us cut back on food to fund our craving.

THREE years ago, Gerry Hegarty, a father of four, decided to go for a medical check-up and was “totally shocked’’ to discover he was suffering from hypertension, as there were no symptoms at all.