The Heart Institute of the Caribbean (HIC) says Jamaicans’ lack of knowledge about their full family history is among several factors which pose challenges to proper heart care. 

HIC’s co-founder and president, Dr. Dainia Baugh made the comment during a media tour at the facility’s Balmoral Avenue location in Kingston today. 

She stressed the importance of addressing challenges to ensure proper heart health, especially since about 7,500 Jamaicans have a heart attack each year. 

Of that number approximately 3,200 are women. 

Dr. Baugh urged Jamaicans to find out about their patrilineal and matrilineal history to ensure they can get the appropriate attention. 

Meanwhile, HIC Chairman, Dr. Ernest Madu said, Jamaicans with poor genetics should educate themselves on what to do to keep heart diseases at bay.