Ditch the salt! - Jamaicans urged to be heart smart

Jamaicans are being urged to ditch the salt for the sake of their hearts. The call comes as the country prepares to mark World Hypertension Day, tomorrow.

According to the World Health Organization, hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and more than one billion people worldwide have hypertension. Here in Jamaica, hypertension affects approximately 25 per cent of the population.

Diets higher in sodium/salt are associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. Also called high blood pressure, hypertension is known as the 'silent killer' because its symptoms are not always obvious.

"Jamaicans love the taste of salt and it goes back to our colonial history of using salt to preserve our foods. It's a part of our culture. Which is why also we have so many high levels of hypertension and complications like stroke. We have to get Jamaicans to make the connection and cut back on the salt," Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton told THE STAR yesterday.

In recognition of World Hypertension Day and as part of the observations to commemorate its 20th anniversary, the National Health Fund (NHF) will conduct blood pressure screenings for 20,000 persons. The screenings are aimed at helping persons to be aware of their blood pressure numbers and focus more attention on hypertension and its impact on health and well-being.

"Knowing your blood pressure is important because hypertension is often called the 'silent killer' since it may have no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease," said Everton Anderson, CEO of the NHF.

The most recent Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III (2016-2017) reports that approximately one in every 10 Jamaican consumes excessive amounts of salt/sodium, by adding salt at the table or through frequent consumption of salty sauces and processed foods high in sodium.

The data also shows that one in every three Jamaicans, 15 years and older, is living with hypertension. Even more worrisome results from a 2017 study showed that more than 30,000 Jamaican students between 10-19 years have been diagnosed with hypertension.