On the occasion of World Hypertension Day [May 17], we join the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health partners in raising awareness about hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, under the theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”
Hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, affects an estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide, with over two-thirds residing in low- and middle-income countries. Men are slightly more affected than women. Often dubbed the “silent killer,” hypertension typically presents with few or no symptoms, yet it can lead to serious health consequences, including chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even death. In Guyana, stroke and ischemic heart disease, both linked to hypertension, remain among the leading causes of mortality.
When your healthcare provider tells you your blood pressure, they say two numbers. For instance, they might say your blood pressure is “130 over 80.”. The top number (systolic pressure) is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is contracting. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is relaxed.
Many experts define high, elevated, and normal blood pressure as follows:
- High– Top number of 130 or above and/or bottom number of 80 or above.
- Elevated– Top number between 120 and 129 and a bottom number of 79 or below.
- Normal– Top number of 119 or below and bottom number of 79 or below.
The 2016 STEPS Survey conducted in Guyana revealed that 18.4% of adults had high blood pressure but were not receiving medication. In response, the Ministry of Health has implemented the HEARTS programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving the management of elevated and high blood pressure.
HEARTS is the acronym for Healthy lifestyle counselling, Evidence-based protocols, Access to essential medicines and technology, Risk-based cardiovascular disease management, Team-based care and Systems for monitoring.
This evidence-based approach is designed to support hypertensive patients in better managing their condition and preventing complications. Since its launch, HEARTS has expanded significantly from 8 pilot sites in 2022 to 237 sites by February 2025, resulting in increased patient coverage, from 8,899 to 43,618 individuals by mid-July 2024. These figures represent meaningful improvements in individual health outcomes and community well-being. Our goal is for all health centres in Guyana to adopt the HEARTS programme by the end of 2025.
On this World Hypertension Day, I encourage every citizen to learn how to accurately measure and consistently monitor their blood pressure. Speak with your healthcare provider during your next visit to a health centre to learn proper techniques and ensure your blood pressure remains within a healthy range. If you are prescribed medication for hypertension, it is critical to take it as directed and avoid missing doses.
I commend all healthcare professionals, particularly those working in primary care, for their unwavering commitment to the accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and continued management of hypertension. Together, let us work to reduce the burden of this disease and promote longer, healthier lives for all Guyanese.
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