Cardiologist warns uncontrolled hypertension is killing more Ghanaians below 50
More Ghanaians below the age of 50 are dying from heart disease and stroke, with experts at the National Cardiothoracic Centre warning that uncontrolled hypertension is increasingly threatening the country’s working population.
Cardiologist Prof. Alfred Doku has warned that uncontrolled hypertension is causing an alarming number of deaths among Ghanaians under the age of 50. Speaking on World Heart Day, the Head of Cardiology at the National Cardiothoracic Centre stated that cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death in Ghana, accounting for between 40 and 50% of all deaths.
This trend is particularly concerning as it is affecting younger people, including those who form the country's workforce. Prof. Doku emphasized that heart disease and stroke are no longer conditions typically associated with old age, as nearly half of all deaths in Ghana are now due to these conditions. He attributed this worrying trend to the increasing prevalence of hypertension among younger people.
Prof. Doku also addressed the issue of patients refusing or discontinuing their hypertension medication due to concerns about potential side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, which he said is a misconception. He urged patients experiencing sexual difficulties while taking hypertension medication to consult their doctors, as there are various treatment options available.
Prof. Doku stressed that untreated hypertension can lead to severe consequences such as stroke, heart disease, or sudden death, and that the risks of stopping medication without medical advice are far greater than any potential side effects of the medication itself.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
