Acute myocardial infarction in the West Indies: early observations, current issues and future concerns
1Eastern Maine Medical Centre, Bangor, ME 04402, USA. tcmartin@emh.org
The West Indian Medical Journal
|June 30, 2010
Insights
Chronic non-communicable diseases, like cardiovascular disease, are a growing concern in the Caribbean. Hypertensive heart disease is common, but ischaemic heart disease and heart attacks are also significant public health issues.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- The Caribbean is undergoing an epidemiological transition, shifting from infectious to chronic non-communicable diseases.
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major public health concern in the region.
- Hypertensive heart disease is prevalent, particularly in Afro-Caribbean populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the emergence of chronic non-communicable diseases in the Caribbean.
- To discuss the prevalence and significance of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertensive and ischaemic heart disease.
- To underscore the under-appreciated burden of ischaemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction in the region.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on disease prevalence in the Caribbean.
- Analysis of trends in cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality.
- Comparative assessment of different types of heart disease within the population.
Main Results:
- Chronic non-communicable diseases, including CVDs, have become a leading health issue.
- Hypertensive heart disease is the predominant form of CVD in Afro-Caribbean populations.
- Ischaemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction are present but their prevalence may be underestimated.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant and growing public health challenge in the Caribbean.
- Further research is needed to accurately assess the prevalence of ischaemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction.
- Public health strategies must address the full spectrum of cardiovascular diseases in the region.
Abstract:
In the epidemiological transition from infectious diseases in the Caribbean, chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, have emerged as important public health interest. Although hypertensive heart disease predominates in Afro-Caribbean populations, ischaemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction have also been present, but the prevalence has been somewhat under-appreciated.
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