MedSea Highlights the Importance of Cardiovascular Health in their Annual Seafarer Health Report

MedSea, an International SOS Company and leading maritime health and medical assistance service, has released its annual report revealing insights into the health and wellbeing of seafarers worldwide.

In 2024, MedSea managed over 5,000 medical cases, a 17.5% increase from the previous year.

Despite cardiovascular issues making up only 3% of MedSea’s total cases, they accounted for 20% of medical diversions and were also the leading case type requiring shoreside evaluations. Cardiovascular cases which required a vessel diversion commonly included symptoms such as chest pain and hypertension.

Cardiovascular cases were also the leading cause of diversion among seafarers aged 50-59, despite this age group representing a smaller number of cases in total. On the other hand, diversions as a result of accidents and injuries were far more common for younger seafarers with no cardiovascular-related diversions in the 30-39 age group.

As the working population ages, they face greater risks from chronic conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Dr Katherine Sinclaire, Senior Medical Advisor at MedSea says,Despite the relatively smaller number of cardiovascular cases, they can be life threatening and stressful for those onboard. It is important to have access to medical professionals, specialised in handling maritime cases which really does make a difference between whether the vessel needs to divert or not and crucially provides peace of mind to the seafarer, whatever injury or illness they have.

Some medical categories saw proportional increases from 2023, for instance dental, musculoskeletal, respiratory and dermatological. This suggests perhaps a need for focus and education on these types of issues, many of which are preventable.

Other case types including gastrointestinal, urological, psychiatric, ophthalmological and ENT trended similarly to previous years.

Tips for management to encourage healthy lifestyles onboard and mitigate cardiovascular risks:

1. Ensure crewmembers contact MedSea or a doctor immediately: For symptoms including: chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and vomiting and pain that radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
2. Encourage Regular Exercise: Promote daily physical activities to keep hearts strong and healthy. Simple exercises like walking, jogging, and using other onboard gym facilities can make a significant difference.
3. Promote Healthy Diets: Ensure meals are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Encourage the avoidance of excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
4. Regular Health Monitoring: For seafarers who might have known chronic conditions, consider Implementing regular health checks for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Early detection of any abnormalities can prevent serious health issues.
5. Stress Management: Provide resources and support for managing stress, which is crucial for heart health. This can include mental health services, relaxation techniques, and recreational activities.
6. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Educate seafarers on the risks of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Encourage them to avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.

For more detailed insights and comprehensive health tips, download the full MedSea Cases 2024 report.

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NOTES TO EDITOR

For media inquiries, please contact:
Luc Hill
Marketing Manager, Maritime
MedSea, an International SOS Company
luc.hill@internationalsos.com