The nation of Antigua and Barbuda joins with the region, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in observance of World Hypertension Day, On Monday 17th May 2021. Theme for this year is: “Know Your Numbers”

Hypertension or high blood pressure is known as the silent killer and continues to be a major health problem globally. It contributes to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, premature mortality and disability.

Information from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.13 billion people worldwide have hypertension. In 2015 the ratio was, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women had hypertensive.

Hypertension is said to be more prevalent in low to middle income countries where health systems are weak. It is a burden to those living with the condition, to those administering care or treatment and governments’ expenditures.

It is a common illness in which the long term force of the blood against the artery walls is high enough to eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries.

The continuous pumping of blood by the heart make the arteries slimmer. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, the top or (systolic pressure) which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number is the (diastolic) which measures the pressure in the arteries between beats.

Hypertension seldom causes symptoms in the early stages and, as a result many individuals go undiagnosed. Early detection is a health and economical benefit that can translate into adequate treatment and proper control of the condition.

Addressing unhealthy lifestyles or behavioural risk factors are preventable measures that should be taken. The indulgence of unhealthy diets, overuse of alcohol, physical inactivity, and tobacco use are some of the contributing factors.

Failure to take action by reducing such risk factors increases one’s chances of hypertension. The non-modifiable risk factors are age and race. People of African descent are especially prone to this condition with family history and genetics playing a part along with overweight/obesity and salty foods.

Based on information received from Medical Consultant within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Dr Kamaria DeCastro, hypertension is a major health concern in Antigua and Barbuda. It is ranked among the top five leading causes of death worldwide.

Family history of hypertension should be considered as it can play a role in one being diagnosed at a younger age. According to DeCastro, the youngest person she has treated with hypertension was only 16 years old and they had a family history.

There are multiple medications used to treat hypertension which are available in Antigua and Barbuda such as: calcium channel blockers like Nifedipine XL and Amlodipine, and combination medications which include Co-Diovan or Preterax.

These drugs are particularly useful in predominantly black populations as they help to prevent and slow the progression of heart and kidney diseases associated with long standing hypertension.

The vast majority of hypertensive patients collect monthly supplies of medications from pharmacies operated by the Medical Benefit Scheme (MBS).

Each year more and more monies are being spent for the procurement of hypertension medications. A report coming out of the Medical Benefit Scheme highlighted how huge a burden it is on the nation’s financial resources.

During the past five years the country has seen an increase in non -communicable diseases; the most common being hypertension and diabetes. Spending for hypertension medications in 2015 $ 5,486,922.13, in 2016 $ 5,837,837.02, in 2017 $ 6,426,865.63, in 2018 $7,149,724.89, in 2019 $6,351,814.823 and in 2020, $ 6,365,661.63.

This demonstrates that approximately 38 million dollars have been spent in the last 5 years on hypertensive medications. The vast majority of persons in A&B collects their monthly supplies of hypertension medications from pharmacies operated by the Medical Benefit Scheme.

The onus is upon all of us to safeguard our health. For those suffering from hypertension, it is important to monitor and control your blood pressures. The key to wellness is to accept personal responsibility for your health and well-being.

For further information, contact your community clinic.