District Medical Officer Dr. Nanyamka Snagg-John says screening for blood pressure is a critical step in identifying and managing hypertension.

Dr. Snagg John who is the Medical Officer in the Calliaqua Health District, was at the time speaking to NBC News about the prevalence of hypertension in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr. Snagg-John is advising people aged 18 and older, to have their blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years, if it is within normal range.

Dr. Snagg-John- noted "For persons who do not have high blood pressure, but you know you are at risk for high blood pressure, then please we advise screening, so go in and check your blood pressure. That's the only way you are gonna know whether you are  hypertensive or not. Persons who are hypertensive, we advise that you stick to your treatment plan, remember, not only when you are having headache right, take your medications as prescribed." 

Dr. Snagg-John further encourages persons from high risk groups with existing conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or a family history of hypertension, to be screened more often.

Additionally, she is imploring people with hypertension, to adhere to the treatment plan given by their doctors.

SOURCE: National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio)