Heart & Stroke Risks Warning For African Caribbean Adults

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Letter to Branches




No. 002/13
Ref P3
Date: 2 January 2013

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Heart & Stroke Risks Warning For African Caribbean Adults in the UK:
1 in 4 African Caribbean adults are unaware they're at higher risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has published a report confirming that African Caribbean adults in the UK are more likely to develop serious health problems than the general UK population. Health Experts want the message to spread and the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is happy to respond to the campaign appeal to disseminate information via Branches and Health and Safety Representatives to CWU members.

According to figures published by the British Heart Foundation in a recent study. African Caribbean adults are most vulnerable and the latest studies reveal worrying statistics showing that
African Caribbean adults in the UK are:
Twice as likely to have a stroke and heart disease as people of European origin,
Twice as many are likely to develop diabetes than the general UK population,
The group at the highest risk of high blood pressure for ethnic minorities.

Worryingly, the British Heart Foundation study found that:
Around one in four African Caribbean adults in the UK are unaware and don't realise they're at higher risk at all and don't realise their ethnicity increases their risk of high blood
pressure and diabetes - major risk factors for stroke,
More than half of African Caribbean adults (51%) don't know the recommended ideal level for blood pressure,
Less than half of those surveyed (46%) know the recommended maximum daily allowance for salt is one teaspoon.
Only 36% know the recommended amount of physical activity they need a week to stay healthy is 150 minutes or 2.5 hours of moderate intensity activity (exercise).
Less than half of those surveyed (46%) know the recommended maximum daily allowance for salt is one teaspoon (6g)
Just 14% know the recommended maximum waist circumference is less than 37 inches for men and 31.5 inches for women.
High Blood Pressure and diabetes are much more prevalent in this community and they are  major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. In fact someone who is  African-Caribbean has over double the risk of diabetes than someone who is originally from the UK. That's why it's absolutely vital that the African-Caribbean community recognise that and try to take action to protect themselves

The British Heart Foundation say there are specific reasons why African Caribbean communities are more vulnerable. The definitely think there's a genetic element why this population are at higher risk - but the key things are that this group of people are more likely to have high blood pressure and are much more likely to have diabetes, and these are key risk factors for stroke and heart disease.

The traditional Caribbean diet can contain high amounts of salt and saturated fats. Salt is a major factor. Dishes high in Salt content are a potential health risks. However it's not just salt intake, it's about a better lifestyle as well.

A simple check up by a doctor or nurse at the General Practitioner's surgery can determine whether a person is suffering from high blood pressure and if necessary a test for diabetes can be arranged. From there medication along with changes to diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke dramatically. For those 40 or over, they can get their health checked at their local GP surgery by either a nurse or GP. Contact the GP surgery for more information. A health check which will include: measurements such as your height, weight and blood pressure, blood tests for cholesterol and sometimes a glucose (sugar) test, questions about age, family history, medication, diet, and physical activity and smoking habits. It takes into account all the risk factors that may affect the individual and will give the GP or nurse a clearer picture of a person's health, and help to take action to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, and the GP will also consider if treatment and medication to treat any symptoms is required.
[This is good advice for ALL members over 40].

The message from the BHF is that it's vital that African Caribbean people understand how their lifestyle affects the contributing heart and stroke risk factor conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Keeping active, reducing salt intake and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight are all key lifestyle factors that can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. This in turn reduces the risk of a stroke or heart disease. The fact that one in four African Caribbean adults don't realise their ethnicity increases their risk of health problems that can then put their heart health on the line is very worrying. The good news is that people can make simple changes to their lifestyle, such as reducing the amount of salt they eat and getting more active to help lead a long and healthy life. The challenge now is to make sure African Caribbean communities take on board just how important these changes could be. Early diagnosis of high blood pressure is important. Then with careful management and changes to lifestyle, keeping to a healthy weight and body shape, a diet rethink, reduced salt intake, quit smoking, moderate drinking alcohol, blood pressure medication if required - there's no reason why those concerned can't then lead an active and healthy life.

It's really important for people from an African Caribbean background to be aware of the increased risks of high blood pressure and heart disease and take appropriate action. It's also important to ensure that awareness is raised amongst children so they can avoid problems in the future.

The BHF has a free booklet called "G532 - Healthy Living Healthy Heart" for African Caribbean's. You can order copies to distribute to members from the BHF.  (See attached).

Useful organisations Contact Details
British Heart Foundation
BHF, Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London NW1 7AW
020 7554 0000
Publication Orders: 0870 600 6566 Email orderline@bhf.org.uk
http://www.bhf.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Blood Pressure Association
0845 2410989
http://www.bpassoc.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Diabetes UK
0845 120 2960
http://www.diabetes.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Food Standards Agency
http://www.eatwell.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or http://www.food.gov.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Stroke Association
0303 3033 100
http://www.stroke.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NHS SmokeFree
0800 022 4 332
http://www.smokefree.nhs.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Find your local NHS stop smoking service.
Quit
0800 00 22 00
http://www.quit.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
A stop-smoking helpline.


Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce Linda Roy
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer National Equality Officer