The Bahamas last week welcomed over 100 cardiologists from throughout the Caribbean and North American for the 29th annual Caribbean Cardiac Society’s scientific meeting.

Officially opening the three-day event was Prime Minister Perry Christie, who noted that with cardiovascular disease being so prevalent in the country, such conferences provide an opportunity to advance the dialogue among medical experts.

According to a report published by PAHO/CARICOM, based on the work of the Caribbean Commission on Health and Development, in the Caribbean cardiovascular diseases (inclusive of hypertension, coronary artery disease and stroke) together with diabetes mellitus, and cancer accounted for 51 percent of the deaths in the latter part of the 1990s. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death.

In 2011, the mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases was 146.8 per 100,000 persons.
Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in people who suffer from obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, tobacco, and excessive alcohol use, among other factors.

Mr. Christie said cardiovascular diseases place a ‘strain’ on hospital utilisation and the country’s resources and the treatments of such illnesses are placing a significant, direct and growing demand on our health services in The Bahamas.

The three-day conference was held under the theme “Innovative Solutions to Cardiovascular Challenges and The Caribbean. This year’s Planning Committee was chaired by Dr. Conville Brown.

During the conference, doctors focused on discussions and lectures on scientific programmes intended to bring the latest innovations in cardiovascular science and medicine to the Caribbean.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony was Health Minister, Dr. Perry Gomez, who thanked the delegates for returning to The Bahamas for a fourth time.