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Press Release From Independent Source

Nearly 10, 000 persons in VI receiving treatment for Hypertension

- Territory observed World Heart Day on September 30, 2020
World Heart Day was observed on September 30, 2020, under the theme 'Use Heart to Beat Cardiovascular Disease'. The day is observed to remind persons, communities, countries and the world at large about the risk of cardiovascular disease. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Senior Medical Officer Dr Shaun Ramroop has said that, according to statistics from the National Health Insurance, there are between 5,000 and 10,000 people being treated locally for hypertension which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Dr Ramroop, while commenting on the Territory’s observance of World Heart Day on September 30, 2020, encouraged residents to love their heart by making lifestyle changes that would lower their vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Ramroop explained that cardiovascular disease occurs when blood vessels leading to the heart and brain are affected by high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

“The disease process occurs when those blood vessels get blocked. When they get blocked, blood supply maybe cut off to the heart or brain which can result in a heart attack or stroke,” he said.

The Senior Medical Officer also noted that persons should be especially vigilant for high blood pressure and hypertension because it is the root cause of most cardiovascular issues and can go virtually undetected.

“Anyone who is over the age of 40 should have their blood pressure checked once a year. If you are at risk or have a family history you should start in your 30s. If you have any history of having problems with your kidney, chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness or numbness of the body seek medical intervention immediately,” Dr Ramroop advised.

He added that care is available at all of the health centres associated with the BVI Health Services Authority. “We provide screening for high blood pressure, treatment, follow up and dietician services,” he said.

'Use Heart to Beat Cardiovascular Disease'

World Heart Day is being observed under the theme “Use Heart to Beat Cardiovascular Disease”. The day is observed to remind persons, communities, countries and the world at large about the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr Ramroop further added that despite the seriousness of cardiovascular diseases, the community needs to know that they are preventable. Simple lifestyle changes he said including diet and exercise, consuming at least one pound of fruits and vegetables daily, drinking plenty of water, avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol use can reduce or prevent the effects of cardiovascular diseases.

Persons can learn more about cardiovascular diseases and what they can do to lower their risk by tuning into the BVIHSA report featuring Dr Ramroop on ZBVI on October 6 and 8, 2020, at 9:00am.

The BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client-centered healthcare across the Territory.

3 Responses to “Nearly 10, 000 persons in VI receiving treatment for Hypertension”

  • Concerned (01/10/2020, 15:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When BVIslanders worked in the hotel industry we were more physically active and healthier, now we work in trust companies we are less active.

    These statiatics are a good indication of the types of doctors we would need baring adherance to healthy lifestyles.
  • Afu (01/10/2020, 18:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Luv what I’m hearing about prevention. Even though I’m getting my yearly checkups, I just recently started drinking homemade spiced sorrel and cinnamon drink daily. It has a rich and harsh sour flavor. Hope this will help, as I heard that it has many benefits than sodas or sugary drinks.
  • foreigner (02/10/2020, 12:51) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    That is news? Watch how them nyam, plus they regused to exercise, those that go to the gym grab a burger and fries as they come out the gym, bunch of deplorables, white bread, white rice, told my morbidly obese coworker to eat a salad, her reply was she wasn't a rabbit, come walking with me in the morning and evening, oh if I wanted to walk I would not buy me an SUV, that fat smelly sour ugly troll, it pisses me off to see how these people eat and carry themselves.
    I don't care for fat people, they have choices, they choose to over eat and sit on their fanny gossiping about others.
    Food can either build you or kill you, and it's sure murdering these hogs in these territories.


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