In this episode, we speak with Dr. Pedro Ordúñez, Senior Advisor for Cardiovascular Disease Management at PAHO, about the urgent global and regional challenges posed by cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially hypertension.
Key Highlights:
Cardiovascular Disease Burden: Over 2.2 million people die annually from CVDs in the Americas, with hypertension being a leading cause. Many people are unaware they have high blood pressure due to its silent nature.
Hypertension Awareness: Dr. Ordúñez emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure checks, especially for adults over 40. He explains the differences in diagnostic thresholds across regions and the risks of inaccurate measurements due to unvalidated equipment.
Prevention and Control: Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, tobacco use, and stress management play a crucial role in preventing hypertension and related conditions. Once diagnosed, consistent medication and monitoring are essential.
Stroke Recognition: The episode discusses how to identify signs of a stroke and the importance of immediate medical attention to reduce long-term damage.
OPS/PAHO Initiatives: Dr. Ordúñez highlights the HEARTS in the Americas initiative, which aims to improve cardiovascular care through standardized protocols, validated equipment, and better access to medications. The program is active in 28 countries and has reached over 6 million people.
World Heart Day Message: In light of World Heart Day (September 29), the episode calls for greater awareness, better health system practices, and community engagement to reduce preventable deaths from heart disease.
