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As World Hypertension is observed… CARPHA warns Caribbean citizens against the ‘silent killer’
Dr. C. James Hospedales, CARPHA’s Executive Director.
Hypertension is the number one risk factor for illness and premature death from cardiovascular disease. It is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the Caribbean region. This state of affairs has been brought to the fore by the Caribbean Public Health Agency [CARPHA].
Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is a long term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. Although high blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms, health officials have found that high blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, periopheral vascular disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease and dementia.
“This disease may go undetected, so getting checked every year is important, so that you are not at risk for complications,” said Dr. C. James Hospedales, Executive Director of CARPHA. In the Caribbean, most people with ‘pressure’ already know it, so equally important is for someone diagnosed to take it seriously and stay on their preventive treatment and lifestyle plan,” remarked Dr. Hospedale.
His remarks were made during the observance of World Hypertension Day 2018. World Hypertension Day was observed Thursday under the theme “Know your numbers with a goal of increasing high blood pressure awareness in all populations around the world.”
World Hypertension Day is observed every May 17 in order to raise awareness and promote hypertension detection and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer which is regarded a modern epidemic.
Its purpose is to raise awareness worldwide about the importance of knowing your blood pressure measurement.
Usually symptomless, unrecognised and untreated, hypertension can cause serious health problems such as heart failure, stroke and kidney damage, according to information released by CARPHA. But the body has assured that although the prevalence of hypertension usually rises with age, the disease is preventable and treatable.
The factors which contribute to hypertension are like those of the other major chronic non-communicable diseases [NCDs] such as obesity and diabetes. These factors include unhealthy diet, high salt intake, obesity, inadequate physical activity and excessive use of alcohol.
“Hypertension, if not addressed in a timely fashion, can have significant economic and social impact. Combined and coordinated efforts at local, national, regional, and global levels are needed to increase awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure and address the risk factors associated with this silent killer,” stated Dr. Hospedales.
He stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle at all ages. This includes the reduction of salt intake, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight.
CARPHA has made it clear that it is important to note that the higher your blood pressure, the more work your heart does. As such, the need to “Check your blood pressure numbers regularly to be assured of good health,” is being promoted by CARPHA.
Moreover, if you have been diagnosed with hypertension, it’s important to stay on the treatment prescribed by your doctor or health provider, especially if you have other risks like diabetes, high cholesterol, or are a smoker.
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