Saint Lucia observes World Hypertension Day

Controlling high blood pressure is the most common preventable cause of conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. In Saint Lucia, an estimated 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure, and strokes and heart attacks continue to be the leading cause of death.

In 2019, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Saint Lucia launched the HEARTS Initiative in the primary care clinics. HEARTS provides a comprehensive and strategic approach to improving awareness of high blood pressure, its accurate measurement, management and control. The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs encourages persons with high blood pressure or those at risk for high blood pressure to visit their nearest wellness centre for blood pressure measurements, and nutritional counseling or medical visits.