The number one and two medical causes of death in Haiti are heart disease and stroke.
There are many factors that contribute to both of these diseases. One common and controllable cause is hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes a myriad of health problems which affect many organ systems in our body, such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and death. Fortunately, well-controlled blood pressure can greatly reduce all of these devastating consequences.
NOVA Hope For Haiti has made blood pressure management one of our main priorities.
NOVA has weekly hypertension clinics which provide care for approximately fifty patients. They have their blood pressure and vital signs monitored and compared to previous measurements. They are given education, with an emphasis on diet and salt intake. Blood pressure medications are distributed free of cost and medication compliance is monitored. Through this important program, we are preventing the grave consequences of untreated hypertension and keeping our community healthier.
