PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the number one risk factor for illness and premature death from cardiovascular disease, and one of the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Caribbean region.

“This disease may go undetected, thus getting your blood pressure checked frequently is especially important so that timely treatment, including lifestyle changes and/or medication, can be started to reduce progression to complications,” said CARPHA’s Dr Joy St John in observance of World Hypertension Day.

World Hypertension Day is being observed this year under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” with health officials saying the objective is to raise awareness, promote hypertension detection and encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer.

CARPHA said that the non-Latin Caribbean has the greatest mortality rate from cardiovascular disease, estimated at 418 per 100,000 inhabitants.

It said that a study that examined 10-year mortality trends in 20 English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries found that cardiovascular disease accounted for most deaths, estimated at between 13–25 per cent, with Montserrat, Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago having the highest percentages.

In the adult population aged 30–79, the regional age-standardised prevalence of hypertension was 35.4 per cent in 2019. It was more substantial in men (37.6 per cent) compared to women (33.3 per cent).

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 2021 noted that the top 20 per cent of countries in the world with the highest prevalence included countries in the Caribbean, with Dominica (47.7 per cent) having the highest prevalence and Belize with the lowest prevalence (38 per cent).

CARPHA said that uncontrolled blood pressure can cause serious health problems such as heart failure, stroke, damage to the kidneys and the back of the eye. And although blood pressure usually increases with age, hypertension is preventable and treatable.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), although hypertension is an easy condition to diagnose and treat, globally, about 46 per cent of adults remain unaware that they have this condition.

The risk factors contributing to hypertension are similar to those of other major chronic NCDs such as cancer and diabetes.

Behavioural and lifestyle-related factors, such as eating too much salt, being overweight and not getting enough exercise, excessive use of alcohol and smoking tobacco can put people at a higher risk for developing high blood pressure.

“While there is no cure for hypertension, making lifestyle changes can greatly enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk of developing heart disease and stroke,” said Dr Heather Armstrong, CARPHA’s head of Chronic Disease, and Injury, stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle at all ages.

“That means reducing your salt intake, eating a healthier diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight for your height and age, and avoiding the harmful use of alcohol,” Armstrong stated.

CARPHA said that when a person’s blood pressure is too high for too long, it damages blood vessels and that a big part of preventing stroke and heart disease is simply being aware of your blood pressure.

“Check your blood pressure numbers regularly to be assured of good health. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, staying on the treatment prescribed by your doctor or health provider is essential, especially if you have other risks like diabetes, high cholesterol or are a cigarette/tobacco user,” CARPHA said.