Cardiovascular health awareness efforts intensify in Panama and Colombia

Health authorities in Panama and Colombia are emphasizing the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, highlighting significant regional health risks. In Panama, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) held a cardiovascular health fair to promote healthy habits, noting that approximately 52% of deaths in the country are related to cardiorenal-cerebrovascular diseases. Minsa reported that 71% of the population is overweight or obese, a condition affecting nearly 10% of children.

In Colombia, medical experts are warning that managing blood sugar alone is insufficient for diabetic patients, as up to 80% of people with diabetes die from cardiovascular causes. Juan Mauricio Cárdenas Castellanos, President of the Colombian Heart Foundation, explained that sustained high glucose levels can lead to fat plaque accumulation in arteries and chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Experts stress the importance of monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure alongside glucose levels to mitigate these risks.