Welcome To The Trinidad & Tobago Heart Foundation!

A study organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Heart Foundation and the Emergency Health Services of Trinidad and Tobago about four years ago showed some startling findings. Based on a sample size of 700 persons, which is a good representative sample of the population aged 11 and above, the survey shows the following:

Eighty percent of the target population are unsure of the differences between Heart Disease and Stroke.
Twenty nine percent could not identify early symptoms of a heart attack.
Forty three percent could not identify early warning signs of a stroke.
Only one in three persons is aware that lack of exercise, high blood cholesterol and stress are important risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Approximately eighty percent of the sample did not know the phone numbers of the Emergency Health Services.

That is why the Heart Foundation responds to the need for public education about healthy lifestyles and heart health in our country.

In this effort we need the help of all relevant stakeholders, the Ministries of Health and Education and, very specially, the media of mass communication. The Newspapers are doing a very good job of public education with regard to health. I am also aware that the ubiquitous radio and television, which transcends the bounds of illiteracy to a certain extent have a very important role to play on the onslaught against all forms of cardio-vascular diseases and the risk from stroke.

A message from Dr. Allan McKenzie

President, The Trinidad & Tobago Heart Foundation.

The Foundation started in August 1996 and since that time we have accomplished a lot. Our brief history highlights many significant achievements. Our work primarily is to educate the public of Trinidad and Tobago, including our youth, about all matters pertaining to the prevention of Heart Disease and the avoidance of the risk from stroke.

We have held many seminars and public lectures throughout the country.

We have hosted international conferences, one of which was in association with the Caribbean Cardiac Society.

We have given audience to speakers from the U.K, U.S.A., Canada and the Caribbean.

We have distributed thousands of informational bulletins throughout the country.

Our history gives abundant evidence of how much we have done by way of public education, in an organization that is purely voluntary and dependent on fund raising events, and support from the public, to fulfill its objectives.