Heart disease rising among young people in Guyana – Health Minister

…over 9,700 patients received $4.2B in Govt-funded medical assistance between 2020 – 2024

Between 2020 and 2024, more than 9,700 patients across Guyana received Government-funded medical assistance for conditions such as cardiac procedures, dialysis, cancer care, and joint replacements. The number of beneficiaries rose steadily each year, from 772 patients in 2020 to 2,629 in 2024, with financial support during this period amounting to $4.2 billion. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, disclosed these figures in his message for World Heart Day 2025, noting that the Government’s investment in healthcare reflects its commitment to addressing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Anthony reminded that CVDs remain the leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 17 million lives annually. In Guyana, heart attacks and strokes continue to rank among the top 10 causes of death. He stressed that while CVDs are a major health challenge, they are largely preventable through lifestyle changes and early management of risk factors. The Minister identified tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution as the main contributors to cardiovascular disease. These risk factors, he explained, often lead to hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol—all of which increase the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. “Most cardiovascular diseases are preventable when we adopt healthier daily habits and address these risks early,” Anthony said. The Ministry of Health has implemented several initiatives to improve both treatment and prevention. The HEARTS programme – a global initiative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) – which focuses on improving the management of hypertension and related conditions, is now active in 247 health facilities across the country. The Ministry aims to expand this to every health centre by 2026. New national guidelines for cardiovascular disease care have also been introduced to ensure healthcare providers follow updated, evidence-based standards. Anthony also noted a troubling trend where more young people are being diagnosed with heart disease, challenging the perception that the illness primarily affects older adults. He urged Guyanese to take practical steps to protect their health, including at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, balanced diets, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. “The true power to protect our hearts does not rest solely in medicine or procedures, but in the choices we make every day,” he said.
World Heart Day 2025 is being observed under the theme “Use Heart for every Heart.”