Healthy Heart Month screenings

Almost 200 people took advantage of free health screenings at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) last week, with two immediately referred to their doctors.

As part of Healthy Heart Month, nurses from the medical programme at KEMH, in partnership with the Bermuda Heart Foundation, tested blood pressure and blood sugar levels of members of the public. Nurses also conducted Body Mass Index testing and took waist measurements.

The free screenings were held in the lobby of KEMH and were open to the public.

A hospital spokesperson said 178 adults were screened in the allotted four hours.

Forty percent of them (72) were seniors, 28 percent (50) were males, and 72 percent (128) were females.

"We counselled patients with dangerously high blood pressure levels. Many had not been taking their medication and this provided an excellent teaching opportunity, as well as potentially preventing these people from going on to have a stroke," the spokesperson said.

"There were two people almost certainly to be newly diagnosed diabetics, who were sent immediately to see their primary care physicians."

Director of Outpatient Services, Norma Smith, said heart disease affects half the population in Bermuda.

"Specifically, coronary artery disease, a condition that blocks blood vessels, can lead to a heart attack. This is the most preventable form of cardiac disease," she said.

Research has shown that by controlling risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, weight and physical activity, the chances of developing this debilitating and sometimes fatal condition can be reduced.

Ms Smith said knowing such risks can help. "Understanding these vital statistics can save your life," she said.

Another free health screening will take place in the lobby at KEMH on Wednesday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.