Today, on World Hypertension Day, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) joins the Ministry of Health and partners across Guyana in raising awareness of the critical need to prevent, detect, and control hypertension—one of the most pervasive and deadly health conditions affecting our region.
Hypertension, often called the "silent killer," is the leading cause of death globally. It significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and contributes to the progression of other serious illnesses such as diabetes and dementia. In the Americas alone, cardiovascular diseases claim more than 2.2 million lives every year—that’s over 6,000 lives lost each day. Alarmingly, an estimated 1 in 3 of these deaths is preventable through early detection and effective management.
In Guyana, like much of the Caribbean, the disease burden is heavily influenced by chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), with cardiovascular disease among the top contributors to mortality. The country has the second highest age-standardized cardiovascular mortality rate in the Americas. This is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action.
That is why PAHO/WHO is proud to support Guyana’s commitment to the Global HEARTS Initiative, a strategic framework developed by WHO and implemented regionally by PAHO. HEARTS strengthens primary health care systems by introducing standardized, evidence-based protocols for hypertension management and promoting the adoption of global best practices to prevent and control cardiovascular diseases.
The Ministry of Health has made important strides in scaling up this initiative across Guyana, and PAHO/WHO remains a steadfast partner in this effort. Through HEARTS, we aim to improve blood pressure control rates, reduce premature deaths, and ultimately enhance the well-being of all Guyanese.
On this World Hypertension Day, I encourage everyone—health professionals, policymakers, communities, and individuals—to take action:
• Check your blood pressure. A normal reading is below 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher, consult your healthcare provider for advice and treatment options.
• Adopt heart-healthy habits. Engage in regular physical activity, limit salt intake, and eat more fresh, nutritious foods to help prevent and manage high blood pressure.
• Strengthen primary care. Support robust primary healthcare services to ensure early detection and effective management of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Together, we can turn the tide against hypertension and save countless lives. Let us renew our commitment to building a healthier, heart-safe Guyana—one where no life is cut short by preventable cardiovascular disease.
