Health Ministry Strengthens Response to Heart Disease

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is intensifying measures to address heart disease as part of the national response to non-communicable diseases (NCD), which are the leading cause of death in Jamaica.

Heart disease includes problems with the heart and blood vessels.

It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and even sudden death.

Risks factors include high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.

Director of the NCDs and Injuries Prevention Unit at the Ministry, Dr. Tamu Davidson, tells JIS News that the focus on heart disease is not to instil fear.

Instead, she says it is aimed at fostering awareness and action to empower individuals to take proactive, manageable steps towards a healthier life.

“Many persons believe that heart attacks only happen to older people or that it is a distant concern,” Dr. Davidson says. “The reality is that anyone can have a heart attack, and we must take proactive steps to protect our health,” she adds.

Dr. Davidson cites data from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016-2017 (JHLS III), which indicated that more than 10,000 persons with diabetes and hypertension have reported experiencing a heart attack as a complication of these conditions.

Against this background, she notes that the Ministry has prioritised a comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and reduce heart disease and other NCDs.

The key strategic actions include monitoring and surveillance, to track the burden of heart disease and its risk factors, ensuring that data and evidence guide policies and interventions.

Focus is also being placed on helping Jamaicans make healthier choices by promoting the elimination of trans-fats; advancing front-of-package warning labels; increasing public awareness around salt and sodium consumption; and promoting healthy eating through national food-based dietary guidelines.

In addition, through primary healthcare renewal, health centres are being enhanced to provide more accessible, patient-centred, and proactive services.

Expanded access ensures that more Jamaicans can attend annual wellness visits and receive early interventions.

The Health and Wellness Ministry is also actively working at improving access to medication and diagnostic services.

Dr. Davidson notes that the National Health Fund (NHF) continues to serve as a regional best-practice by providing subsidies for people living with chronic illnesses, including those who have experienced heart attacks.

Recently, the Fund expanded its benefits to include subsidies for Electrocardiogram (ECG) testing, increasing access to essential diagnostic services in both public and private sectors.

The Ministry has also updated its national screening guidelines for NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, reinforcing the importance of early detection and timely management.

Central to this effort is the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign aimed at encouraging Jamaicans to monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and cholesterol levels.

The key message from the Ministry is that understanding these numbers is critical in assessing one’s risk for heart disease and taking preventive action.

Through the Jamaica Moves programme, the Ministry continues to promote increased physical activity, healthy eating and age-appropriate health screenings.

The initiative operates across communities, schools, and workplaces, forming a cornerstone of Jamaica’s strategy to reduce NCD-related illness and death.

There is also the Exercise Prescription Programme to support individuals with chronic illnesses or risk factors in improving their overall health and well-being.

Dr. Davidson tells JIS News that the Ministry is advancing a holistic, integrated model of care, to ensure earlier detection, better management, and improved outcomes.

Whether a patient visits a clinic for a cervical cancer screening or another service, healthcare providers are encouraged to assess the whole person recognising that individuals may have multiple risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, tobacco use, poor diet, or physical inactivity.

Meanwhile, Dr. Davidson is urging Jamaicans not to ignore potential warning signs of a heart attack.

“Too often, persons dismiss symptoms as indigestion or minor discomfort and delay seeking care. If you believe you may be experiencing a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait,” she warns.

“We want Jamaicans to… turn up for your health checks, know your numbers, and take proactive steps to protect your heart”, the medical practitioner advises.

The Ministry joined long-standing partner, the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, in observing Heart Month in February under the theme ‘Heart Attack: Could It Be You?’

Dr. Davidson say the Ministry remains committed to working collaboratively with partners, healthcare providers, and communities to reduce the burden of heart disease and build a healthier Jamaica.