Heart and Stroke Foundation Urges Healthier Choices on World Heart Day

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados joined the global observance of World Heart Day on with a lecture that placed the spotlight on the nation’s eating habits.

Speaking under the theme “Salt, Sugar, and Soca: How Barbadian Lifestyle Shapes Our Heart Health”, National Cardiologist of Barbados Dr. Aderemi Soyombo warned that Barbadians continue to consume high levels of salt and sugar, which remain leading contributors to hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

“Salt and sugar are hidden in so many of the foods we enjoy daily, and unless Barbadians make deliberate choices to reduce them, we will continue to see more strokes, heart attacks and lifestyle-related deaths,” Dr. Soyombo cautioned.

She explained that while the rhythms of soca music reflect celebration and energy, the rhythm of local diets has become dangerous, with processed foods, sugary drinks, and salty snacks dominating the menu.

Dr. Soyombo encouraged Barbadians to take small but meaningful steps, such as drinking more water, reading nutrition labels, reducing their intake of processed foods, and incorporating regular exercise into their lifestyles.

The Foundation noted that prevention remains the most effective weapon against cardiovascular disease and reminded citizens that protecting their hearts requires everyday commitment.

World Heart Day is observed annually on September 29 as a global initiative to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke, which together account for the world’s leading cause of death.