CARDIOVASCULAR disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer. It is currently responsible for 17.3 million deaths per year, and by 2030 this figure is expected to rise to 23 million. CVD is also the number one killer in Jamaica.

Since the creation of World Heart Day in 2000, the World Heart Federation, together with its members, has spread the news that at least 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main modifiable risk factors of tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are controlled. In 2014, there were approximately 10.8 million participants around the world.

World Heart Day takes place on September 29 every year.

World Heart Day 2014 Jamaica

In Jamaica, we observed the day with free screenings for hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, along with online activities.

The Heart Smart Centre hosted a free heart health screening in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St James. Participants were treated to blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, and height checks. The first 20 participants also received free electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood cholesterol checks. All particpants were given a consultation with a doctor who reviewed their results and quick symptom checks. Participants with abnormal results were followed up at least once by the cardiologist and then referred to their general practitioners or health centre for follow-up care.

More than 200 people registered and several new cases of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol were diagnosed. Owing to the success of last year’s screening, the Heart Smart Centre would like to continue in the future, supporting the work of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica who do regular screening throughout the year, as well as other cardiologists.

Campaign objectives

* Encourage advocacy

* Grow public awareness

* Foster behaviour change

* Strengthen unity of the heart health community

Campaign facts

World Heart Day is the largest global awareness and advocacy campaign on heart disease and stroke, reaching almost 2 billion people in more than 120 countries through organised events and media outreach.

Now in its 15th year, World Heart Day provides a unique opportunity to position cardiovascular disease at the heart of global priorities in health and beyond.

World Heart Day 2014 had put a spotlight on creating heart healthy environments because:

* At least 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided by controlling risk factors;

* Yet too often society blames the individual: You smoke, you eat and drink too much, you don’t exercise;

* But the environments we occupy – where we live, work and play – can either encourage or discourage the choices we make to be more heart healthy; for example, lack of access to green spaces, unhealthy school meals, overwhelming displays of tobacco, alcohol and fast food, and exposure to second-hand smoke.

Heart-healthy actions

1. Creating heart-healthy homes

* Stocking your home with healthy food options – limit pre-packed foods that are often high in sugar, fat and salt. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your meals or swap sweet treats for mango or other fresh seasonal fruits.

* Banning cigarette smoking from your home.

* Cutting down on TV watching.

* Getting active.

2. Creating heart-healthy communities through collective action by putting pressure on local decision-makers to make changes, such as:

* Increasing quality physical education in schools. Currently, in Jamaica, physical education is not mandatory for students in 10th and 11th grades. Physical education should be mandatory for all levels of primary and secondary schools.

* Ensuring schools, workplaces and hospitals offer healthy, nutritious, affordable food. Ask for healthy food at your work canteen or your children’s school.

* Introducing national smoking ban and smoke-free places. A definite success for Jamaica, smoking in public spaces has been banned since 2013. Employees are also encouraged to demand smoking be banned in the workplace.

* Creating safe neighbourhoods for physical activity by lobbying for investment in good lighting and connected sidewalks or playgrounds.

* Cycle or walk to school or work, taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

3. Creating heart-healthy nations

National policymakers are urged to provide more opportunities for people to make heart-healthy choices by:

* Regulating the amount and reach of fast-food advertising on television and radio.

* Enacting legislation to tax unhealthy food and support locally produced fruit and vegetables.

* Enforcing regulations for tobacco control and banning its marketing and advertising.

* Ensuring timely detection of CVD and cost-effective treatment to modify risk factors in high-risk individuals.

Recognise your CVD risk. Visit a health professional who can measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, weight and body mass index, and advise on your risk. Once you know your risk, you can, with the help of your health care provider, make a plan to improve your heart health.

Dr Claudine Lewis is an adult cardiologist and medical director at Heart Smart Centre in Montego Bay. She is also a cardiologist at the Cornwall Regional Hospital and an associate lecturer with the University of the West Indies. Questions may be sent to questions@heartsmartcentre.com and for additional information call 684-9989 or visit the website www.heartsmartcentre.com