Andrene Chung | Protect the heart today for a healthier tomorrow

Every heartbeat counts. Yet, too often, we take our hearts for granted – until it is too late. This year, as the world comes together to observe World Heart Day under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat”, we are reminded of the importance of caring for our hearts at every stage of life. For Jamaica, this message could not be more urgent.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) – such as heart attacks, heart failure and strokes – are among the leading causes of death in Jamaica. They are part of a larger epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers, which now account for 76.8 per cent of all deaths in the Caribbean (CARPHA, 2022). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that most NCDs are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes. The challenge is that our lifestyles, diets and environments are changing rapidly – and not always for the better.

RISING NCDs AND HEALTH BURDEN

Over the past few decades, our diets have shifted. Traditional, wholesome meals rich in fresh produce, legumes and whole grains have been increasingly replaced by ultra-processed products – high in salt, added sugars, unhealthy fats and calories, but low in essential nutrients. Sugary drinks have become more common, even among children, while physical activity has decreased due to sedentary work, increased screen time and reduced access to safe outdoor spaces.

These changes are not without consequences. One in three Jamaicans has high blood pressure, according to the Jamaica Health & Lifestyle Survey III (2018). Additionally, one in three children is overweight or obese, with 30,000 children aged 10-19 years diagnosed with hypertension based on a 2017 study by the Ministry of Health & Wellness. Hospital admissions for cardiovascular events and diabetes complications are still on the rise. These illnesses do more than shorten lives – they place an enormous financial burden on families and on the healthcare system. Hospital stays, costly medications and loss of productivity due to illness strain both personal finances and the national economy.

PREVENTION STARTS EARLY

The beauty – and hope – of cardiovascular health is that prevention works. Research consistently shows that heart disease risk can be significantly reduced by:

• Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

• Being physically active for at least 30 minutes most days

• Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol

• Managing stress effectively

• Checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar regularly, and managing any abnormalities detected

But prevention must start early – long before the first signs of illness appear. This means creating environments where children can grow up healthy, active and nourished. That is why healthy school food environments are central to the “Don’t Miss a Beat” message.

HEALTHY SCHOOLS, HEALTHY HEARTS

Schools play a powerful role in shaping children’s eating habits and physical activity patterns. When healthy foods are accessible, affordable and appealing in schools, children are more likely to choose them. And when physical activity is built into the school day, fitness and heart health improve.

Unfortunately, many Jamaican children are exposed to a school food environment that works against their health. Sugar-sweetened beverages, deep-fried snacks and foods, and high-salt packaged foods are widely available and heavily marketed. This makes it harder for children, and their parents, to make healthy choices.

But there is good news. The National School Nutrition Policy, recently tabled in the Senate provides a blueprint for improving what children eat and drink during school hours. It sets standards for school meals, restricts the sale of unhealthy foods and sugary beverages and encourages water consumption. It also supports nutrition education and physical activity programmes. Implementing this policy fully and effectively is a vital step in ensuring that the next generation of Jamaicans “doesn’t miss a beat.”

HEART HEALTH CHECKLIST

As we mark World Heart Day 2025, here are simple steps everyone can take to protect their heart:

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables – Aim for at least five servings daily

2. Cut back on salt – Taste food before adding salt; choose fresh overprocessed

3. Limit sugary drinks – Choose water or unsweetened beverages

4. Move more – Walk, dance, swim or play sports; aim for 150 minutes of activity weekly

5. Quit smoking and/or vaping – Seek help if needed; tobacco damages the heart and blood vessels

6. Know your numbers – Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and your body mass index (BMI), and manage them, if abnormal

7. Manage stress – Practise relaxation techniques, connect with loved ones and rest well

The Heart Foundation of Jamaica remains committed to providing health education, screening and advocacy to reduce the burden of heart disease. But we need the partnership of parents, educators, community leaders and the government to make heart health a national priority.

This World Heart Day, let us recommit to building a Jamaica where every child grows up in an environment that supports healthy eating and active living.

Dr Andrene Chung is a consultant cardiologist & chair of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica. Send feedback to ghapjm@gmail.com