Jamaica Urged To Tackle Heart Disease Risks Early As Cardiologist Warns Of Heavy Death Toll

WESTERN BUREAU:

Cardiovascular illness continues to be a major cause of death in Jamaica, with some people only discovering the danger when their condition has already become critical.

That concern is being raised by interventional cardiologist Dr Victor Elliott, who says heart-related disease is still causing serious harm across the country, even as medical care and prevention methods have improved.

Elliott said current Ministry of Health figures place cardiovascular disease after diabetes among causes of death, but he cautioned that the two illnesses are frequently connected.

"The problem with that data is that what tends to kill most diabetics is cardiovascular disease," he explained, adding that heart disease and stroke combined remain responsible for more deaths than several forms of cancer.

Cardiovascular disease covers several medical problems, among them heart attacks, strokes and poor circulation that may result in amputations or other severe outcomes.

According to Elliott, high blood pressure is still the main driver of cardiovascular disease and stroke in Jamaica, while diabetes is also an important contributor.

He said many strokes and heart attacks are avoidable when people do regular health checks and keep chronic conditions under proper control.

"We advocate getting yourself checked, doing your annual physical, and monitoring your blood pressure, even if you don't have high blood pressure," Elliott said.

He urged Jamaicans to eat well, stay physically active, check cholesterol levels, and manage illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease.

Elliott said warning signs of heart disease may include discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, nausea, unusual tiredness and a reduced ability to exercise. He said those symptoms should be treated as reasons to seek medical help quickly.

He also pointed to the close relationship between stroke and cardiovascular illness, saying about 70 per cent of strokes are tied to high blood pressure. A further 20 per cent, he said, are linked to atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm.

"The key thing is prevention and early detection," Elliott said, noting that treatment options today may include medicine, lifestyle adjustments, minimally invasive procedures or surgery, depending on the patient.

"For most people, the best place to start is by knowing your numbers and taking control of the risk factors before heart disease develops."

Elliott was among the doctors involved in the care of Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, who underwent triple bypass surgery late last year.