Cardiologist and Presidential Advisor on Science and Healthcare Modernisation, Dr. Mahendra Carpen has sounded the alarm on the high number of young people in Guyana who are dying from cardiovascular disease.

In a statement, Dr. Carpen noted that in the past few months, there has been a devastating recognition of young people between the ages of 20 and 40-years-old who have died unexpectedly and suddenly.

Some died in their sleep, while others died while doing routine, normal activities, Carpen noted.

He said cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause for the deaths.

According to the Cardiologist, Sudden Cardiac Death is an electrical malfunction phenomenon that occurs in the heart and manifests as an abnormal heart rhythm which can lead to death.

He explained that the underlying cause is usually blockage in the majority of cases, however, other conditions such as inflammation and infection of the heart muscle, severe uncontrolled hypertension, enlarged and stiffened heart muscles as well as some inherited conditions are also known triggers and causes.

According to Dr. Carpen, Guyana’s younger population is showing an increase in serious heart disease not just from blockage but also from weakened heart muscles due to inflammation/infection and complications of uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol as well as bad habits like smoking.

He said persons should beware of chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or lightheadedness, explaining that those could be early warnings. He added that if one notices a reduction in the things they are able to do without getting tired or fatigued, they should seek medical help.

The Cardiologist is encouraging more persons to get medical check-ups and make those check-ups a regular thing.

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