Barbados observes World Hypertension Day amidst worrying trends

It is a pandemic within a pandemic.

That is how the scourge of hypertension in Barbados is being described on this World Hypertension Day.

Now data shared on CBC TV8’s Morning Report is painting a very worrying picture as the chronic illness continues to claim even more lives than COVID-19.

In fact, between one-third and half of the local population is most likely living with hypertension or high blood pressure unknown to them.

Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Medical Science at the University of West Indies Cave Hill Campus and Consultant Internist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr Kenneth Connell, also reveals that almost all heart attacks registered at the hospital are linked to the condition.

With this month being dubbed May Measurement Month, activities are being launched today at State House. There Her Excellency The Most Honourable President, Dame Sandra Mason, will be setting the example for the nation by getting her blood pressure checked.

All activities are available on the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s website.

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