Ghanaians urged to check blood pressure regularly to detect hypertension early
A Fellow in Public Health at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, has urged Ghanaians to make regular blood pressure checks a priority, saying lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to prevent hypertension in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Fellow in Public Health at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has advised Ghanaians to prioritize regular blood pressure checks. Speaking on Joy FM Super Morning Show, he emphasized that lifestyle modifications alone may not suffice to prevent hypertension in genetically predisposed individuals.
While exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing salt intake are beneficial, they should not substitute regular screenings. Mr. Asiedu cautioned that focusing solely on lifestyle changes risks creating an illusion of security if people are unaware of their actual blood pressure levels. He stressed that screening is more crucial than lifestyle changes, as hypertension can manifest without noticeable symptoms.
Additionally, Asiedu highlighted genetic factors predisposing certain populations, including blacks, to conditions like hypertension, glaucoma, and diabetes. Despite these risks, he noted that lifestyle modifications, including exercise, diet, and weight management, can still aid in managing or preventing high blood pressure, but acknowledged that genetic predisposition may limit the effectiveness of such changes.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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