The relevance of cardiovascular health is being highlighted by the BVI Health Services Authority ahead of a Cardiac Symposium scheduled for February 16.

Consultant Internist, Dr. Chrisel Bovell-Chichester said Cardiovascular Disease is relevant because it is the number one killer of adults in their productive years. She added that the disease refers to conditions that involve narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that can lead to heart attacks, chest pain, renal failure, heart failure or stroke.

According to Dr. Bovell-Chichester, cardiovascular disease is usually linked to the development of plaque which is a buildup of cholesterol and debris within the blood vessels.  “Blood vessels take your blood to the various organs so if there is impediment to blood flow to vital organs it can compromise the function,” she stated

Dr. Bovell-Chichester said factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, elevated cholesterol, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, and cigarette smoking contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

The Cardiac Symposium came out of the need to bring awareness to the impact of the disease in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean and also to update medical professionals and patients on the latest management strategies.

Information on the symposium will be disseminated via radio and social media ads, press releases and interviews.  Persons are invited to tune in to ZBVI at 9:00 a.m. on January 31, February 4, 7, 11 and 14 or follow the authority on Facebook at facebook.com/bvihsa to learn more about cardiovascular diseases and the upcoming Cardiovascular Symposium from Doctor Bovell-Chichester and Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Rodger Miller.

The symposium will be held on Saturday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the lobby of the New Peebles Hospital.

The BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent compassionate client centered healthcare.