Each year, the World Health Organisation reminds us that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 17 million lives annually. Guyana is no exception; heart attacks and strokes continue to rank among our top ten causes of death.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a type of noncommunicable disease (NCD) and account for the largest share of NCD deaths worldwide. Importantly, most NCD-related deaths, including those from CVDs, are preventable or delayable by addressing common modifiable risk factors.
The main modifiable risk factors for NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, are well documented:
- Tobacco use – Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease. With 1.3 billion tobacco users globally, tobacco control remains a top priority for accelerating NCD prevention.
- Harmful use of alcohol – Excessive consumption contributes to 2.6 million deaths annually, many from CVDs.
- Unhealthy diets – Diets high in salt, sugar, and fat, especially heavy intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, drive hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
- Physical inactivity – Sedentary lifestyles significantly increase cardiovascular risk.
- Air pollution – Nearly 7 million deaths each year are linked to air pollution, which worsens the burden of CVDs.
These risk factors often lead to intermediate metabolic and biological conditions that elevate the risk of CVD, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): only 1 in 5 adults with hypertension has it under control.
- Overweight and obesity: rising rapidly, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- Raised blood glucose and diabetes: a significant contributor to heart disease.
- Raised cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and other metabolic risks.
The encouraging truth is that most cardiovascular diseases are preventable when we adopt healthier daily habits and address these risks early.
This year, as we observe World Heart Day under the theme “Use Heart for every Heart”, I call on every Guyanese to reflect on the power of their choices. The Ministry of Health has adopted the PAHO/WHO HEARTS programme, an evidence-based initiative designed to improve the diagnosis and management of hypertension and related risk factors. Already, 247 health facilities across Guyana have implemented HEARTS, and by 2026, our goal is to expand it to every health centre in the country.
To strengthen our national response, the Ministry has also formulated new national guidelines for cardiovascular diseases, ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped with the latest evidence-based standards for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Alongside these efforts, we continue to provide life-saving cardiovascular care and financial support. Between 2020 and 2024, over 9,715 patients received medical assistance worth 4.2 billion dollars, covering cardiac procedures, dialysis, cancer care, hip and knee replacements, and more. Each year, the number of beneficiaries has grown:
- 772 patients in 2020
- 1,519 patients in 2021
- 2,319 patients in 2022
- 2,476 patients in 2023
- 2,629 patients in 2024
Sadly, more young people are being diagnosed with heart disease, challenging the myth that this is only a concern for the elderly. This should serve as a wake-up call for us all. I urge every citizen to:
- Engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress and ensure adequate rest.
- Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
The true power to protect our hearts does not rest solely in medicine or procedures, but in the choices we make every day. Let us talk with our loved ones, guide our children toward healthier habits, and encourage each other to embrace a lifestyle that strengthen, rather than weaken, our hearts.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to advancing policies, guidelines, and programmes that make healthy living more accessible and affordable for all Guyanese. Together, let us use heart for every heart, for our families, for our communities, and for our nation.
