Heart disease continues to pose threat to life longevity of Guyanese

Immense focus is being placed on the detection, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular-related conditions in Guyana as they continue to impact the lives of many Guyanese.

President Irfaan Ali this week said the growing concern over heart diseases among Guyanese is a grave concern. For this reason, the country is focused on reducing the number of persons affected by cardiovascular conditions by 2030 with the assistance of Northwell Health Centre, a non-profit healthcare provider.

While noting that this is an ambitious goal, he explained the severity of the situation. Heart disease rates in Guyana are extremely high as they account for at least 70 per cent of the national disease border.

“That means seven out of every 10 people living with a serious illness in Guyana are battling cardiovascular related conditions,” President Ali said.

The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has said that cardiovascular diseases are among the leading cause of deaths in the Americas. It is also a concern given that persons 70-years-old and younger are among those affected with these diseases.

He said bold, collaborative and sustained actions are necessary. Oftentimes, patients are untreated or have to rely on treatment options abroad. And the government is focused on detection, treatment and prevention.

Based on scientific studies, persons with a greater risk of developing these conditions consume high fat and oily foods.

“Lifestyle, the way we eat, the way we drink, the quantity in which we consume, these are things we need to address if we are to change this.

“If you are serious about guaranteeing better health outcomes for Guyanese citizens, we must tackle this crisis head-on,” the President said.

The Ministry of Health has been tasked with implementing initiatives that target the health conditions that Guyanese are battling. Focus on heart health is being addressed through collaboration and the increased training of doctors and healthcare professionals. Through the HEARTS Programme, which aims to strengthen the management of non-communicable diseases, more than 36,000 patients are being catered to.