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What Are High Blood Pressure and Prehypertension?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure rises
and falls throughout the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it’s called
high blood pressure.

How to Lower Blood Pressure (Download PDF)

That the leading cause of death in Bermuda is Heart Disease

Source: Ministry of Health, Well Bermuda Report/Strategy, Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit
Cardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart and/or blood vessels
(arteries and veins).

The term cardiovascular is used to refer to all diseases of the circulatory system including:

Cardiovascular Disease is the cause of 1 in every 3 deaths in Bermuda

Cause of Death - Bermuda – 2005
Source: Ministry of Health, Well Bermuda Report/Strategy, Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit  

Heart Disease in Bermuda - Risk Factor # 1

2 out 3 Bermudians are Overweight

Overweight is defined as body mass index of between 25.0 and 29.9. Obese is defined as a BMI of 30.0. Body Mass Index is calculated as Weight/Height 2 – where weight is calculated in Kilograms and  height is in centimeters squared or alternatively (Weight/Height 2) 703, with (weight in pounds/height in inches squared) times 703.

Heart Disease in Bermuda - Risk Factor # 2

1 in 4 Suffer From High Blood Pressure (25% ) - High Blood Pressure – Bermuda 2006 Health Survey

The natural force created when your heart pumps blood into your blood vessels is know as blood pressure.  For a variety of reasons your blood vessels can tighten and constrict.  This can cause the blood to press on the vessel wells with too much force.  When this force remains above a certain level, it is considered high blood pressure.

When your blood pressure is too high your heart has to work harder to pump blood through you body.  Over time high blood pressure can lead to more serious health concerns including circulatory disease and heart attack or stroke. (MERCK promotional literature, understanding your high blood pressure)

Heart Disease in Bermuda - Risk Factor # 3

1 in 3 Suffer From High Cholesterol ( 34%)

High cholesterol is one of the major rick factors for heart disease.  When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it may build up in the walls of your arteries and cause atherosclerosis.

In simple terms atherosclerosis is known as hardening of the arteries.  It involves a clogging narrowing and hardening of the body’s large arteries and medium-sized blood vessels.  Atherosclerosis can lead to stoke, heart attach, eye problems and kidney challenges.

Source - 2006 Health Study

Heart Disease in Bermuda - Risk Factor # 4

Almost 1 in 8 suffer from Diabetes In Bermuda ( 13% )

Those with Diabetes Suffer an Increased Risk of Having a Cardiac Event.

Heart Disease in Bermuda - Risk Factor # 5

Alcohol - Alcohol is known to be associated with many health complications including:

	Heart Disease
	High Blood Pressure
	Stroke and Liver Disease

With basis for Heart Disease beginning as early as our adolescent years,, it is concerning that 27% of adolescents in Bermuda report they had consumed alcohol in the previous 30 days