Atherosclerosis a lifestyle diseases - statistics and mortality rates of Trinidad & Tobago.

According to Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, the term lifestyle disease can be defined as diseases that link to the way people or a group live. “Lifestyle diseases include atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke; obesity and type 2 diabetes.” For the purpose of this project I will be researching atherosclerosis.

According to The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Atherosclerosis, also known as Arteriosclerosis, “is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries.”

In Trinidad and Tobago over 32% of people die of Atherosclerosis annually - as a result of plaque buildup inside arteries - Pan American Health Organization 2019. While the actual statistics for Trinidad and Tobago is not available for how many people are currently living with Atherosclerosis diseases it is estimated to be over 55%. In the Caribbean and in particular Trinidad and Tobago our diet consists of very oily, fatty foods and foods high in carbohydrates. Also a reduction in physical activity and a more sedentary lifestyle all adds to a recipe for atherosclerosis. Consuming the wrong foods as well as lack of exercise causes the plaque to build up and clog our arteries. This build up is caused by person lifestyle.