In this article, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies shares expert insights and practical strategies to protect your heart, proving that small steps today can lead to a stronger, healthier tomorrow.

1. Don’t wait for symptoms, prevention is key

Most heart diseases, like atherosclerosis, progress silently until advanced, making regular screenings vital, especially for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or family history. Scheduling annual check-ups and monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure may feel routine, but these simple habits can prevent serious complications later.

2. Make daily lifestyle choices that count

A heart-healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean drastic changes overnight, it’s about consistent, sustainable habits. Eating balanced meals, staying active for at least 30 minutes most days, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco all make a measurable difference. Even small adjustments like swapping sugary drinks for water or taking the stairs can help. What matters most is sticking with these practices over the long run.

3. Learn from specialists

Cardiologists dedicate years of training in understanding and treating the heart, often pursuing additional subspecialties such as interventional cardiology. But beyond procedures, they also focus heavily on educating patients. Dr. Adam Bierzynski, MD ‘11, SGU graduate and interventional cardiologist recalls what drew him to the field:

“The ability to place a stent in someone’s artery who is having a heart attack and have them walk out as early as the next day with almost no damage done is truly one of the most rewarding feelings in medicine. The field is also always evolving with new techniques and procedures, so it is difficult for it to ever become mundane.‘’

For patients, the lesson is clear, if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations, don’t ignore them. Early action can save your life.

4. Build a support system around health

Just as cardiologists rely on teamwork, patients benefit when their journey is supported by family, friends, and community. Dr. Bierzynski, MD ‘11, credits SGU’s collaborative environment for shaping his career:

“Attending SGU was a fantastic experience. Coupled with a diverse student body and accessible faculty, I can truly say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SGU and would recommend it to anyone considering applying.”

The same principle applies to heart health. Sharing your goals with loved ones, joining a fitness group, or finding accountability partners can make healthy habits easier to maintain.

5. Plan for the long term

Protecting your heart is not about quick fixes, it’s a lifelong commitment. Think of your heart like your car: regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly and prevents costly breakdowns. Prioritizing exercise, stress management, sleep, and routine doctor visits ensure you are protecting yourself from risks before they escalate.

The bottom line

Heart health is built on proactive choices. On this year’s World Heart Day, SGU would like to encourage people of India to take proactive actions to mitigate the risks of getting cardiovascular diseases. From small lifestyle changes to the guidance of specialists, every step you take today can safeguard your future.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.

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Findings from national health studies focusing on Indian children and youth indicate a consistent upward trend in overweight and obesity rates. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2024, there were 33 million children in India living with overweight and obesity, equivalent to a prevalence of 9% among those under 20 years. This number is projected to increase significantly, with India expected to have 83 million children overweight/obese by 2035, representing a prevalence rate of 24%. According to a 2021 report by UNICEF, roughly one in seven Indian adolescents aged 10 to 19 is estimated to live with a diagnosable mental health condition; common issues include anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders.

Dr. Ahmed Hussein, an SGU graduate from the Doctor of Medicine degree program in 2022, advises that regular pediatric checkups are the single most important preventive measure. “Each age group has its own anticipatory guidance for a healthy life and specific screening tools for diseases,” he said. “These routine visits allow pediatricians to provide tailored advice on nutrition, development, and emotional wellbeing.”

“Pediatrics is a deeply rewarding field because it’s not just about treating young patients, it’s about supporting entire families through some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Dr. Hussein. “You become a trusted guide, helping parents navigate uncertainty and empowering them to nurture their child’s health beyond the clinic. It’s a role that requires empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for making a long-term impact.”

Reflecting on his journey into pediatrics, Dr. Hussein describes it as a field full of daily joy and renewal. “Each patient encounter is like meeting a new friend for playtime,” he shares. “We laugh, play, and joke during our time together while tackling the main reason for their visit. It’s a constant regeneration of energy during the day.”

Addressing the post-pandemic surge in screen addiction, anxiety, and delayed social development in children, Dr. Hussein urges families to create emotionally connected environments. “Routines that prioritize outdoor play, face-to-face interaction, and emotional openness,” he notes, are key to cultivating resilience in children navigating today’s fast-evolving world.

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From safety and accommodations to local culture and activities, this latest guide by St. George’s University (SGU), School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies provides five key information to help prospective students make informed decisions.

How safe is campus life in Grenada?

Grenada is considered a safe destination for students, with a level-one rating from the US Department of State, which simply advises students to exercise normal precautions, as they would anywhere. In addition, SGU’s security officers patrol the university grounds 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

SGU has implemented several safety measures on campus, including surveillance cameras, smoke detectors, and sprinklers in all buildings. The campus also has a command center, established in 2016, serving as the emergency response hub. Students can also access the ‘SGU Safe’ app, providing location-based emergency assistance.

What are accommodations like in Grenada?

Medical students must live on campus during their first term. SGU’s residence halls provide central air conditioning, internet access, laundry facilities, and regular cleaning services. Rooms are furnished with twin-sized beds, desks, chairs, closet space, and bookshelves. Kitchen facilities include a refrigerator, cooktop stove, and microwave.

After the first term, students may choose to live off campus. Many off-campus accommodations include air conditioning, and some even have pools. Most housing options are within a five-mile radius of the university and conveniently located along the bus route.

What should students know about shopping?

Grocery shopping in Grenada is convenient, with several supermarkets accessible by bus or private vehicle. Students can also visit local markets, such as St. George’s Market Square on Saturday mornings, for fresh produce, gifts and specialty items.

Many essentials can be purchased locally. It’s also common for students leaving Grenada to sell their belongings at affordable prices for freshmen.

What are the most popular holidays in Grenada?

Major holidays celebrated in the US, such as Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s Day, are widely observed in Grenada. Additionally, the island has its own unique festivities, the most famous being Spicemas—Grenada’s Carnival—held annually on the second Monday and Tuesday of August. The event features vibrant music, dancing, and elaborate costumes.

What are some fun things to do in Grenada?

With over 80 student clubs, SGU’s campus life is just as vibrant as its academics, offering students plenty of opportunities to connect, unwind, and explore their passions. Among the most active cultural groups is the Indian Cultural Student Association (ICSA), which plays a key role in celebrating Indian traditions and cultivating cultural exchange. ICSA organizes signature events each semester, including the vibrant ICSA Show – a colorful celebration of Indian music, dance, and traditions that draws participation from across the student body. The group also hosts festive gatherings such as Diwali celebrations, Holi Day, and themed cultural nights, offering Indian students a sense of home and introducing the broader SGU community to Indian culture.

Beyond campus, students can explore Grenada’s natural beauty through hiking trails in lush rainforests or water activities like snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking. Many students earn their PADI dive certification and explore Grenada’s famous underwater sculpture park. The island also offers rich cultural experiences with local chocolate factories, spice plantations, and marine excursions, allowing students to immerse themselves in Grenadian culture and lifestyle.

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(by St. George’s University)

Cardiologists are doctors who work with the heart and blood vessels. They diagnose, treat, and work to prevent diseases of the heart, such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm abnormalities, congenital heart disease, and more. They also act as consultants to other physicians.

In recognition of World Heart Day, St. George’s University (SGU) Grenada, in the Caribbean, provides an overview of what a cardiologist is and the different specialties within cardiology.

Given how widespread heart disease is today, cardiologists are needed more than ever. The World Heart Federation reveals that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the Middle East and North Africa region and is responsible for more than one-third of all deaths, approximately 1.4 million people, every year.

Most patients see a cardiologist when they are referred by their general practitioner. They may be experiencing shortness of breath, heart murmurs, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, or chest pain. A cardiologist can then examine these symptoms to diagnose a condition and create an effective treatment or management plan.

Cardiologists are also involved in more serious cases. Their expertise is needed for surgeries performed on the organs in the chest. Cardiologists work in both outpatient settings and hospitals. When they see a patient, they typically perform a physical exam. They may also order some tests, such as ECGs, X-rays, or blood work.

Different types of cardiologists

Cardiology is a subspecialty of internal medicine and in 2023, SGU placed over 350 graduates into US internal medicine residencies*. But cardiology itself also has a number of subspecialties of its own. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) offers certification in these areas:

Advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology: Doctors who practice this cardiovascular subspecialty manage advanced heart failure cases and transplant patients. These cardiologists perform surgical procedures and act as consultants for other physicians managing patients with significant heart failure.

Adult congenital heart disease: Doctors who focus on adult congenital heart disease work with patients who have one or more defects in their heart or blood vessel structures. They often need to coordinate with numerous other providers to provide long-term care.

Clinical cardiac electrophysiology: Physicians who subspecialize in clinical cardiac electrophysiology focus on managing complex heart rhythm disorders. These specialists perform both noninvasive and invasive diagnostic procedures. They prescribe medication, implant electrical devices, and leverage other international techniques.

Interventional cardiology: Interventional cardiology involves specialized imaging and diagnostic techniques to evaluate different areas of the cardiovascular system. Many of these procedures are performed using a catheter.

Advanced cardiovascular imaging: Cardiologists who specialize in advanced imaging have extensive training in Advanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Cardiovascular Computed Tomographic (CCT).

It’s clear that this essential role involves everything from disease prevention to managing complex conditions. If heart disease does run in your family, make sure to discuss it with your general practitioner. They may end up referring you to a cardiologist if cardiovascular problems become an issue.

* As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of June 2023.

About St. George’s University School of Medicine:

Founded in 1976 with the goal of drawing the best talent and practices from around the world, St. George’s University (SGU) has become a leading center for academic excellence worldwide. With students and faculty drawn from more than 150 countries, SGU is truly an international institution, with a uniquely global perspective, perfectly poised to help educate students in this rapidly changing world. The SGU School of Medicine has a four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program or offers five-, six-, and seven-year pathways to its Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program with entry points available for students from any education system around the world. SGU has a large network of 75+ affiliated hospitals and health centers in the US and UK and has a unique opportunity for students to begin their medical career in Grenada or the UK.

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