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Cardiovascular diseases increasing among youths – Dr. Anthony
─ encourages healthier lifestyle choices
Kaieteur News – Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony is urging citizens to exercise healthier lifestyle choices, noting that health authorities are seeing more young people being diagnosed with heart disease.
The minister made the call in his message on World Heart Day which is observed on September 29.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony
“This year, as we observe World Heart Day under the theme “Use Heart for every Heart”, I call on every Guyanese to reflect on the power of their choices,” the minister stated.
He noted that the health ministry has adopted the PAHO/WHO’s HEARTS programme, an evidence-based initiative designed to improve the diagnosis and management of hypertension and related risk factors.
According to the minister, already, 247 health facilities across Guyana have implemented HEARTS, and by 2026, the goal is to have it expanded to all health centres countrywide.
To strengthen the national response, he said the ministry has also formulated new national guidelines for cardiovascular diseases, ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped with the latest evidence-based standards for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Supporting these efforts, Minister Anthony disclosed that the ministry continues to provide life-saving cardiovascular care and financial support. “Between 2020 and 2024, over 9,715 patients received medical assistance worth $4.2 billion, covering cardiac procedures, dialysis, cancer care, hip and knee replacements, and more,” he highlighted.
Providing a brief breakdown of the number of patients over the years, he detailed that in 2020, there were 772 patients, in 2021 some 1,519 patients, 2,319 in 2022, 2,476 in 2023 and 2,629 in 2024.
“Sadly, more young people are being diagnosed with heart disease, challenging the myth that this is only a concern for the elderly. This should serve as a wake-up call for us all.”
Highlighting this concern, he urged persons to embrace healthy lifestyle choices by engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption, manage stress and ensure adequate rest, and to do check to know their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
“The encouraging truth is that most cardiovascular diseases are preventable when we adopt healthier daily habits and address these risks early,” he added.
He said each year WHO reminds those cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 17 million lives annually.
Guyana, he noted, is no exception as heart attacks and strokes continue to rank among top ten causes of death.
“Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a type of noncommunicable disease (NCD) and account for the largest share of NCD deaths worldwide. Importantly, most NCD-related deaths, including those from CVDs, are preventable or delayable by addressing common modifiable risk factors,” he stated.
The health minister noted that the true power to protect one’s hearts does not rest solely in medicine or procedures, but in the choices persons make every day. “Let us talk with our loved ones, guide our children toward healthier habits, and encourage each other to embrace a lifestyle that strengthen, rather than weaken, our hearts,” he expressed.
For their part, he stated that the Ministry of Health remains committed to advancing policies, guidelines, and programmes that make healthy living more accessible and affordable for all Guyanese.
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Yes let them continue to eat the Kentucky fried chicken, hamburgers, french fries, hot dogs and processed food!