The Cayman Islands is strengthening its approach to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease through the introduction of HEARTS Cayman Islands, an initiative led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to improve cardiovascular care through primary healthcare services.
Announced by the Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, in Parliament, HEARTS will support efforts to improve the prevention, early detection, treatment and control of high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
The initiative forms part of the Cayman Islands Government’s wider commitment to strengthening preventative healthcare, improving the management of chronic diseases and supporting healthier communities.
“Preventing illness and helping people manage chronic conditions are important parts of building a healthier Cayman Islands. Through HEARTS, we are strengthening our approach to cardiovascular health, with a focus on identifying risks earlier, improving the consistency of care and supporting better long-term health outcomes for our people,” said Minister Ebanks-Wilks.
Addressing high blood pressure in the Cayman Islands
The need for stronger action is reflected in findings from the Cayman Islands’ 2023 STEPS survey, conducted in collaboration with PAHO using the World Health Organization’s standardised approach to assessing noncommunicable disease risk factors.
The survey found that nearly three in every ten adults in the Cayman Islands are living with high blood pressure. Of particular concern, only 27.2% had been diagnosed and were successfully managing the condition with medication.
These findings highlight the importance of improving access to screening, timely diagnosis, effective treatment and ongoing monitoring to help prevent complications associated with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
HEARTS provides an evidence-based framework to help healthcare services address these gaps and strengthen the delivery of cardiovascular care within primary healthcare settings.
Strengthening care through HEARTS
The initiative focuses on practical improvements in how cardiovascular risk is identified and managed. Its approach includes standardised treatment protocols, access to essential medicines, team-based care and the use of data to monitor progress and improve patient outcomes.
For residents, this work aims to support earlier identification of high blood pressure, more consistent treatment and better follow-up care.
The Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Felicia McLean, who is leading the HEARTS project in the Cayman Islands, highlighted the importance of community awareness and participation as implementation moves forward.
“My Heart, My Health Cayman’s HEARTS Pilot Programme is creating a more standardised, affordable, and accessible approach to cardiovascular care in the Cayman Islands, empowering residents to take charge of their heart health through prevention, early detection, and evidence-based treatment,” said Mrs. McLean.
Chief Officer Ms Tamara Ebanks added: “The Ministry is prioritising its preventative care efforts and this initiative is an engaging and community-focused approach to helping as many people as possible become aware of the ‘silent killer’ that is hypertension.”
How HEARTS will work
The programme is built around six core elements:
· Healthy lifestyles: Encouraging healthier eating, physical activity and other positive lifestyle choices.
· Evidence-based protocols: Supporting consistent, high-quality clinical care.
· Essential medicines and technology: Strengthening access to necessary medicines and reliable blood pressure monitors.
· Cardiovascular risk management: Assessing individual risk to guide prevention and treatment.
· Team-based care: Improving coordination and continuity of patient support.
· Monitoring and evaluation: Tracking outcomes to improve the quality and effectiveness of care.
A step-by-step clinical pathway will guide healthcare providers through the four stages of hypertension management: Accurate blood pressure measurement, cardiovascular risk assessment, best practices in treatment, and follow-up and prevention.
Healthcare providers will receive a HEARTS Clinical Guide to support consistent decision-making, while patients will have access to a Patient Workbook to help them understand their condition and take an active role in managing their health.
Residents invited to district information sessions
As part of the HEARTS rollout, the Ministry will host a series of district information sessions on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac to give residents an opportunity to learn more about the initiative, eligibility, and how the pilot will work.
Residents will be able to hear more about the importance of knowing their blood pressure numbers, the risks associated with high blood pressure and the steps they can take to protect their cardiovascular health.
The following sessions are scheduled:
· West Bay: Thursday 29 October, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., John Gray Memorial Church Hall
· George Town: Friday, 30 October, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Lucille Seymour Older Persons Centre, Central Scranton Park
· East End: Thursday, 5 November, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre
· Bodden Town: Friday, 6 November, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Church of God Chapel
· North Side: Thursday, 12 November, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., North Side Civic Centre
· Cayman Brac: Friday, 13 November, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Cayman Brac Beach Resort
Residents are encouraged to attend and take the opportunity to learn more about HEARTS and have their blood pressure checked.
Additional information sessions, including further districts and venues, will be announced through the Ministry’s media channels.