Reunion: Mobilized to Combat Cardiovascular Disease
- Cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of mortality on the island, affecting people earlier and more seriously than in mainland France.
- In Reunion, data confirms a substantially higher prevalence of cardiovascular issues compared to mainland France: over 30% more cerebral vascular accidents, earlier onset of infarction, a strong prevalence...
- "Cardiovascular diseases in Reunion are not only more frequent than in mainland france, but they also strike younger, often more seriously," alerts Doctor Jérôme Corré, head of the...
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Reunion Island Launches “Kèr Month” to Combat Cardiovascular Disease
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Cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of mortality on the island, affecting people earlier and more seriously than in mainland France. Faced with this alarming observation,the CHU de la Réunion launches in September the month of the Kèr,an entire month dedicated to prevention,screening,and community outreach. (Photo RB/www.imazpress.com)
In Reunion, data confirms a substantially higher prevalence of cardiovascular issues compared to mainland France: over 30% more cerebral vascular accidents, earlier onset of infarction, a strong prevalence of heart failure and high blood pressure, and a higher incidence of risk factors like diabetes and obesity.
“Cardiovascular diseases in Reunion are not only more frequent than in mainland france, but they also strike younger, often more seriously,” alerts Doctor Jérôme Corré, head of the cardiology department at the North CHU and founder of the Kèr month.
In the department, cardio-neuro-vascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality.
Prevention and Proximity for Heart Health
Faced with this health emergency, the CHU de la Réunion launches the “Kèr month” in September. This unprecedented mobilization aims to raise awareness and facilitate early detection within the population.This initiative expands upon the successful “Kèr Week” organized in 2024, which received a national prize for prevention innovation.
Free consultations in neighborhoods, information stands in markets, nutrition workshops, and school interventions are planned. Actions will be “as close as possible to the inhabitants, beyond the hospital,” underlines Lionel Calenge, director general of the CHU.
He emphasizes the importance of “paying attention to frequently enough forgotten audiences, remote areas as well as women, who will benefit from dedicated actions”.
Simple Messages, Saved Lives
The month of the Kèr is a collaborative prevention project involving various institutions (ARS, CGSS, CPTS), communities (town halls), healthcare facilities (CHU, GHER, Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, Health Houses), and healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, medical assistants, dietitians, and associations) focused on cardiovascular diseases and risk factors.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease in Réunion
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood