Guyana highlights heart health on World Heart Day 2025

As part of World Heart Day 2025, today, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has called on all Guyanese to take proactive steps to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which remain a leading cause of death both globally and in Guyana.

CVDs, a type of noncommunicable disease (NCD), claim nearly 17 million lives worldwide annually, and heart attacks and strokes are among Guyana’s top ten causes of death. Most NCD-related deaths, including those from CVDs, are preventable or can be delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution.

Intermediate conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, raised blood glucose, and high cholesterol further increase the risk of heart disease. Minister Anthony emphasized that prevention through healthy daily habits is key.

The Ministry of Health has implemented the PAHO/WHO HEARTS programme to improve the diagnosis and management of hypertension and related risk factors.

Currently, 247 health facilities across Guyana offer HEARTS, with plans to expand coverage to all health centres by 2026.

In addition, new national guidelines for cardiovascular diseases have been developed to support healthcare providers with evidence-based prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies.

Between 2020 and 2024, the Ministry provided medical assistance worth GYD 4.2 billion to 9,715 patients, covering cardiac procedures, dialysis, cancer care, and other critical treatments. The annual number of beneficiaries increased steadily, from 772 in 2020 to 2,629 in 2024.

Minister Anthony highlighted a concerning trend of younger people being diagnosed with heart disease, and urged citizens to adopt healthy habits, including:

– Engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly

– Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

– Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption

– Managing stress and ensuring adequate rest

– Knowing their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels

“The true power to protect our hearts does not rest solely in medicine or procedures, but in the choices we make every day,” Minister Anthony said in a press statement.

He encouraged Guyanese to guide their families and communities toward healthier lifestyles, noting that the Ministry remains committed to making healthy living accessible and affordable for all.

This year’s World Heart Day theme is “Use Heart for Every Heart”, reinforcing the call for collective action to safeguard heart health across Guyana.