CARPHA official: Don’t take hypertension lightly

Hypertension, if not addressed in a timely fashion, can have a significant economic and social impact.

Dr. C. James Hospedales, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), therefore believes that combined and co-ordinated efforts at local, national, regional and global levels are needed to increase awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure and address the risk factors associated with this silent killer.

“This disease may go undetected, so getting checked every year is important, so that you are not at risk for complications. In the Caribbean, most people with ‘pressure’ already know it, so equally important is for someone diagnosed to take it seriously and stay on their preventive treatment and lifestyle plan,” he urged.

Dr. Hospedales also observed that although the prevalence of hypertension usually rises with age, the disease is preventable and treatable.

“The factors which contribute to hypertension are like those of the other major chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity and diabetes. These factors include unhealthy diet, high salt intake, obesity, inadequate physical activity and excessive use of alcohol.

“It is important to note that the higher your blood pressure, the more work your heart does. Check your blood pressure numbers regularly to be assured of good health. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, it’s important to stay on the treatment prescribed by your doctor or health provider, especially if you have other risks like diabetes, high cholesterol, or are a smoker,” CARPHA recommends.