CEO of Heart and Stroke Foundation urge Barbadians to get their blood pressure checked

Approximately half the Barbadian population is walking around with hypertension and many don’t even know it, warned Chief Executive Officer of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Michelle Daniel on this World Hypertension Day.

“Locally, four out of 10 persons have hypertension…. So it is really important for persons to actually pay attention to this…because it is a silent killer,” she said.

“It is a problem globally, it is a problem locally, because untreated hypertension can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart failure, strokes, heart attacks, and we need the public to know it is a serious matter, especially those who have never had their blood pressure checked.”

Daniel was speaking on Tuesday morning on the sidelines of the launch of May Measurement Month at State House where President Dame Sandra Mason and members of her staff got blood pressure checks with the help of Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Dr Kenneth Connell and Internal Medicine Interest Group (Cavehill), American College of Physicians Elan Harewood-Forde.

During this month and up until the end of August, members of the public will be able to get free blood pressure checks.

High sodium intake is a major risk factor for hypertension and Daniel noted Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s pledge to tackle that later this year.

She did not rule out the Foundation proposing a possible tax on high-salt foods, similar to the tax Government imposed on soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages from April 1.

“Anything that we do has to be founded by substantial evidence as well, so I can’t say it won’t happen but it will be a concerted, wholistic approach in terms of any interventions in policies, any taxes that we may suggest or we may recommend,” Daniel said.

In the meantime, the CEO said the Foundation will be ramping up its efforts to encourage healthier choices, starting in schools.

“The school nutrition policy is one aspect in terms of change because we have to ensure that our children are healthy,” she said.

Adding that a combination of proper diet and exercise is critical for managing hypertension, she stressed that residents should start by getting their pressure checked.

“When you know your numbers, the doctor is going to give you specific instructions. Sometimes some persons are fortunate to avoid medication, they can actually manage their blood pressure through reducing their sodium and changing their dietary habits,” Daniel said.

“Basically, it is a lifestyle change. So, actually, some persons reverse completely, which is a blessing for them. . . . It is making subtle changes and in some cases drastic changes, in order to be able to manage your blood pressure.”

“This is a disease that is real, that affects all of us. Know your numbers and take action now,” she further advised.
sandydeane@barbadostoday.bb