Stroke the leading cause of death in Dominica data shows

Data from the Ministry of Health shows that Cardiovascular Disease, commonly known as ‘stroke’ is the leading cause of death in Dominica, Health Minister, Dr. Kenneth Darroux has said.

He said that the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and others such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Stroke and Cancer are having major implication on health delivery services, the workforce and the island’s economic standing.

“Data from the Ministry’s’ Health Information Unit shows that between 2011 to 2015 Cerebrovascular Disease, commonly referred to as stroke is the leading cause of death,” he said in a speech to observe Caribbean Wellness Month last Saturday. “Followed by Hypertensive Disease referred to as High blood pressure, with Diabetes Mellitus ranks third. For the period, 2013 to 2017 more females were diagnosed with Diabetes, almost 2 to 1. For the period 2016/2017, more males had amputations than females, with the age group ranging from 55 to 59 years and 70 plus.”

He stated that NCDs have surpassed communicable diseases as Dominica’s dominant health problem.

“Factors such as obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, exposure to tobacco smoke, the harmful use of alcohol, poor management of stressful life events and absence or inadequate public policy are some of the main risk factors that contribute to these diseases,” Darroux stated.

He said the data is of tremendous concern to his ministry.

“We will continue to place emphasis on the need for each and every one to take responsibility for their health and continue to implement measures focuses on preventive as well as curative and rehabilitative,” he noted. “Recognizing the threat posed by NCDs, in the Declaration of Port of Spain, CARICOM Heads of Government outlined key strategies to prevent, control and reduce NCDs through the life course. Since the inaugural celebration, Dominica has fulfilled its commitment, using the event to provide an opportunity to increase the awareness of NCDs’ burden in Dominica.”

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8 Comments

  1. cardionurse
    September 11, 2018

    And this is why medical care is still in such a sad state of affairs when the DOCTOR who is the Minister of Health cannot distinguish for the public the difference in a “stroke” which affects the vessels to the brain, thereby causing paralysis of a limb or drooping mouth, etc and cardiovascular disease which results in a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) which is the result of a clot or other blockage in arteries of the heart. And he blaming the nurses…..

  2. Justchecking
    September 11, 2018

    Cardiovascular disease is commonly known as ‘stroke’? Cannot be in Dominica. Please have this checked. Firstly a stroke shouldn’t be in quotes because it is a medical term, secondly stroke and cardiovascular disease are not the same. Kindly look into this please and have it corrected.

  3. time has told
    September 11, 2018

    i almost died from a strokes i got carnival time. The young lady’s waist was too much for me.

  4. Bhavisha jules
    September 11, 2018

    My father in law Mr Philip Jules died of a stroke 2 weeks ago

  5. Lougawoo Memm
    September 10, 2018

    My two aunties aged at 83 and 84 died of stroke. I am afraid the trend will continue if there’s no change in diet and lifestyle. Certainly, there are people who can relate to the alarming rate of deaths in this category. Educate, exercise. and take heed.

    • Fr 1 Loug to another
      September 10, 2018

      Lougawoo Memm hope you are practicing what you’ve lived & continue to live it, more so having had two aunts who passed from the aforementioned.

  6. Randolph Joseph
    September 10, 2018

    What about all the cancer deaths? Dominicans in my age group were exposed to herbicides (gramoxone) and other chemicals during the peak of the banana industry and I have seen the pain that has caused to loved ones and friends.

    • Former SMA pupil
      September 12, 2018

      The Caribbean tended to receive pesticides and chemicals that Europe and America would not use at home. Poverty, greed and a lack of education make the region ripe for such experimentation and exploitation. If we don’t take care of our own agricultural and medical research and development then we give others the key to control our destiny or eventually wipe is out. We need to take control of our own ….and stop making begging our governments biģgest achievement

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