Uganda Heart Institute Urges Regular Blood Pressure Checks to Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases

The Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) is calling on the public to regularly measure their blood pressure as a preventive measure against the increasing risk of non-communicable diseases in the country.

Dr. Isaac Ssinabulya, a consultant cardiologist at UHI, emphasizes the importance of monitoring blood pressure to identify potential heart-related issues early on.

Chest pain, a common symptom that can indicate various health problems, should not be ignored. "Chest pain can have various causes, including heart or lung-related issues, as well as digestive, muscle, and bone problems," Dr. Ssinabulya explains. Some serious conditions, such as heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and aortic dissection, require immediate medical attention when accompanied by chest pain.

To diagnose the underlying cause of chest pain, UHI employs several diagnostic tests, including electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, and cardiac catheterization. These tests help healthcare professionals determine the appropriate course of treatment for patients experiencing chest pain or other heart-related symptoms.

Why this matters: Non-communicable diseases, particularly those related to the heart, are on the rise in Uganda. By encouraging regular blood pressure monitoring, the Uganda Heart Institute aims to promote early detection and prevention of these potentially life-threatening conditions, ultimately improving public health outcomes and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

When managing heart-related conditions like heart attacks, UHI follows a comprehensive approach that involves the use of antiplatelet drugs, unblocking vessels, and providing medications to support the heart, control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol. By urging the public to take proactive steps in monitoring their blood pressure, the experts at UHI hope to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases and promote better overall health for Ugandans.

Key Takeaways

• Uganda Heart Institute urges public to regularly monitor blood pressure
• Chest pain can have various causes, some requiring immediate medical care
• UHI uses ECG, echocardiograms, and cardiac catheterization to diagnose chest pain
• Non-communicable diseases, especially heart-related, are rising in Uganda
• UHI promotes early detection and prevention to improve public health outcomes