Montserrat Healthy Hearts
Montserrat Healthy Hearts
At Healthy Heart Series, we have successfully educated patients who are in need of cardiac information. Our team has conducted clinical services, BLS training and certification, community outreach and education, fitness activities, and much more to reach out to patients.
Montserrat is a tiny British Island in the Eastern Caribbean with inhabitants predominantly of African descent but with inter racial mixing of Arawak and Carib Indians as well as the early European settlers.
The island is roughly 40 square miles, but over two-thirds of the land is uninhabitable. The island used to be a vibrant and thriving place to live before the volcano erupted after being dormant for nearly 400 years. It became active in 1995.
The first major eruption occurred in 1997, with 19 deaths due to people moving back into the forbidden zone. There were a total of three significant eruptions. Most of the other volcanic activity included acid rain, heavy ash, and sulfur emissions. These events destroyed the capital and many surrounding areas.
The loss of infrastructure and revenue resulted in a mass exodus of people, over 80% of the population. There are now approximately 6000 people on the island crowded into the northernmost portion of the island. Many have experienced the loss of loved ones and relatives. However, life is being slowly rebuilt, and the last significant eruption occurred in 2010.
On the island, we see a high incidence of hypertension and diabetes, perhaps in part evoked by the stress and repercussion of the volcano. Along with the exodus of lay people in 1997, members of the medical community are left with no cardiovascular specialist on the island. The islanders thus fall into three categories.
- No cardiac care.
- Insufficient cardiac care provided by internists.
- Partial care on a neighboring island or abroad if the family has the financial capability.
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