Heart Health – By Kisean Joseph
Heart Health Experts Urge
As February marks Heart Disease Awareness Month, local cardiologist Dr. Georgette Meade is calling on Antiguans and Barbudans to recognize how their daily choices can have lifelong impacts on cardiovascular health.
Dr. Meade, a consultant cardiologist and internal medicine specialist at the Hope and Grace Cardiac Center and co-founder and president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Antigua and Barbuda, appeared on Observer AM to launch the foundation’s month-long awareness campaign themed “Optimizing Heart Health, Everyday Choices, Lifelong Impact.”
She expressed particular concern about patients who fail to take their hypertension medication consistently, a practice she says is leading to preventable heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure.
“Patients diagnosed with hypertension, they come in to me now with heart failure, they’re swollen, short of breath, and hypertension was their risk factor,” Dr. Meade explained. “Many of us, unfortunately, are diagnosed with hypertension. They would say at the beginning, now and again, I would take it, or if I don’t feel well, or if I have a headache, then I would take my blood pressure medication. And unfortunately, many people are making this choice, and in the long run, it leads to heart disease.”
Dr. Meade identified hypertension as “the silent killer” and emphasized that it has been taking many lives and leading to disability across the twin island nation.
Beyond adherence to medication, the cardiologist highlighted unhealthy eating habits as a major risk factor, particularly frequent consumption of fast food. She also pointed to poor stress management as a significant contributor to heart disease and stroke.
“Relaxation techniques are available to us. Maybe sometimes just remove yourself from the situation, get adequate sleep, adequate rest, and even relaxation, and go to the beach. We have amazing beaches. I find that to be quite rejuvenating and relaxing,” Dr. Meade said.
The cardiologist urged people to monitor changes in their physical abilities, noting that difficulty during activities that were once easy can be a red flag.
“Shortness of breath is a very common symptom of heart disease, as well as chest pain. And the mere fact that you could walk comfortably up those stairs, like two weeks ago, and now you’re struggling to do it, it’s a red flag, and you need to be evaluated,” she said.
Dr. Meade also addressed growing concerns about cannabis use and its cardiovascular effects, particularly among younger people
“Arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, are one of the more common symptoms of it. And it does also increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes, like nicotine,” she warned. “Heavy cannabis use in the long run is going to have a greater impact on our society and our health economy.”
The cardiologist noted that cannabis use can lead to plaque build-up in arteries and changes in heart rhythm, effects like those caused by nicotine.
For those feeling overwhelmed by the idea of major lifestyle changes, Dr. Meade offered a simple starting point, adjusting portion sizes on their plates.
“It should consist of 50% of vegetables or fruits on our plates, and the remaining half, we divide into two quarters. One quarter should be fish, poultry, peas or beans, that’s the protein, and starch should be a quarter of the plate,” she advised.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation has planned several events throughout February to raise awareness and educate the public about heart health.
This Friday, February 7, the foundation is encouraging everyone to participate in Wear Red Friday to show support for those living with heart disease, newly diagnosed patients, and those who have lost loved ones to cardiovascular conditions. Red shirts are available at the foundation office at Luther George Place in Lower Gambles, though supporters may wear any red clothing.
A free public health forum will be held on February 26 at 5 PM in the Mount St. John’s Medical Center auditorium, featuring experts discussing topics related to the theme of everyday choices and lifelong impact.
“The topics will be very basic and very informative, easy to understand,” Dr. Meade said, encouraging community members to attend.
