Cardiovascular diseases leading cause of death in Guyana – Health Minister

On the occasion of World Heart Day 2020, Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has related that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been the number one cause of death over the last five years – keeping in line with the worldwide trend of heart diseases being the number one killer.
World Heart Day is being observed under the theme, “Use Heart to Beat Cardiovascular Disease”.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CVDs are the number one cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. The WHO also reported that four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.
“A significant per cent of the population has been diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Cardiovascular diseases are caused by unhealthy lifestyles, such as unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol drinking, insufficient physical activity and smoking. These unhealthy practices contribute to other diseases, such as diabetes, respiratory illnesses, renal disease and several types of cancer,” he said.
The Minister said that the Government recognises the need to implement measures to promote healthy lifestyles and good diet, while at the same time discouraging unhealthy ones. He related that over the next five years, MoH intends to adopt a strategy that will ensure multi-drug therapy and standardised treatments for CVDs are available at all medical facilities, and develop a national programme to provide support for healthy lifestyles.
“While Government will continue to implement laws and policies, and healthcare workers will assess our risks and provide guidance and treatment accordingly, it is important to note that each of us has a role to play in reducing sickness due to cardiovascular diseases. The private and public sectors, as well as non-governmental organisations, can provide education and offer support by implementing wellness initiatives, which can benefit employees,” the Minister stated.
He reminded that with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, persons living with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart diseases, are more at risk if they become infected. Dr Anthony related that emphasis must be placed on eating healthy foods, making physical activity and exercise a daily habit, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use.
He urged to not allow COVID-19 to stop one from their daily health routines.
World Heart Day brings attention to the toll that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) take on individuals and, by extension, families and communities. World Heart Day is also aimed at encouraging healthy habits and lifestyles in order to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions. CVDs, in particular heart attack and stroke, are by far the leading causes of death in the world and is responsible for 31 per cent of all global deaths. (G2)