CARPHA warns hypertension one of the most NCDs in the region

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the number one risk factor for illness and premature death from cardiovascular disease, and one of the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Caribbean region.

“This disease may go undetected, thus getting your blood pressure checked frequently is especially important so that timely treatment, including lifestyle changes and/or medication, can be started to reduce progression to complications,” said CARPHA’s Dr Joy St John in observance of World Hypertension Day.

World Hypertension Day is being observed this year under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” with health officials saying the objective is to raise awareness, promote hypertension detection and encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer.

CARPHA said that the non-Latin Caribbean has the greatest mortality rate from cardiovascular disease, estimated at 418 per 100,000 inhabitants.

It said that a study that examined 10-year mortality trends in 20 English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries found that cardiovascular disease accounted for most deaths, estimated at between 13–25 per cent, with Montserrat, Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago having the highest percentages.

In the adult population aged 30–79, the regional age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was 35.4 per cent in 2019. It was more substantial in men (37.6 per cent) compared to women (33.3 per cent).

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 2021 noted that the top 20 per cent of countries in the world with the highest prevalence included countries in the Caribbean, with Dominica (47.7 per cent) having the highest prevalence and Belize with the lowest prevalence (38 per cent).

CMC/