WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY

MAY 17, 2022 Message of The Minister of Health and Wellness

Today is globally recognised as World Hypertension Day. Jamaica has a serious Hypertension problem. Hypertension or High Blood Pressure, commonly called ‘Pressure’, affects one in every three Jamaicans ages 15 years and over and is the most common condition treated in primary healthcare (Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey, 2017). Also very concerning is that about 40 per cent of persons with high blood pressure don’t even know they have a life-threatening situation brewing, as there is no pain or symptoms, hence it is often called the ‘Silent Killer’. Recognising that Hypertension is a potential health threat to us here in Jamaica, the Ministry continues to be committed to strengthening our public health education drive.

High Blood Pressure is the most common risk factor for major cardiovascular issues, including heart attack and stroke, while predisposing persons to other health complications, such as kidney disease, heart failure and dementia (source: ncdip.moh.gov.jm).

The last Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey that was done in 2016 to 2017 showed that the prevalence of Hypertension in males was 31.7 per cent, and in females [it] was 35.8 per cent. More Jamaicans aged 15 to 74 years old are developing Hypertension, as in 2017, 31.5 per cent of individuals in this age group had High Blood Pressure compared to 20.9 per cent in 2001. Given this alarming trend, my message is for everybody, as we all have to play our part in stemming this crisis by knowing our risk status and addressing those lifestyle factors that increase our likelihood of developing Hypertension – high salt intake and other unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, excess body weight, smoking and excess drinking being chief among them.

This year’s theme, Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer, is a solid and needed reminder that persons living with Hypertension or those potentially at risk of developing the disease need to properly manage their condition and/or monitor themselves closely as well as make any necessary adjustments to their lifestyle. I urge every Jamaican to screen regularly for the disease, as early detection and frequent blood pressure monitoring are key to preventing and controlling Hypertension.

If you’ve been diagnosed with Hypertension, the good news is that you can control your blood pressure numbers with some minor changes. Start with simple steps like monitoring your blood pressure regularly, whether by visiting your doctor or monitoring yourself at home. Know your numbers and understand what the numbers are telling you. If your blood pressure is uncontrolled, then you need to address it as a priority.

I highly recommend lifestyle changes — maintain a healthy weight, have a healthy diet, monitor your blood pressure, follow the advice of your doctor, take your medication and try to avoid stressors that trigger you. At least 30 minutes a day of regular physical activity is not only for weight management but so too for the health of your blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

Your diet for Hypertension should include such foods which can lower your blood pressure naturally. Restricting salt is not as hard as you may think; try cooking with more natural herbs and spices. Eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits does not necessarily need to be expensive when you choose our local ground produce like pak choy, cucumbers and watermelon and cut back on high-calorie starchy, sugary and fatty foods. Processed foods tend to have a lot of salt and ingredients that are not good for us, so start reading your labels.

I would like to see every Jamaican become staunch advocates for his/her own health & wellness and ‘Treat Yuh Body Right’.