{
  "id": 12399554,
  "title": "‘Cardiovascular Disease Is Leading Cause Of Morbidity, Mortality’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/cardiovascular-disease-is-leading-cause-of-morbidity-mortality",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-06T14:11:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Guide Network",
    "slug": "daily-guide-network",
    "url": "https://dailyguidenetwork.com/cardiovascular-disease-is-leading-cause-of-morbidity-mortality/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Florence Koryo Akumiah, a physician specialist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, revealed that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana, accounting for 18% of all deaths in the country. The 2023 WHO STEPS survey found that one in five Ghanaian adults (approximately 3.7 million people) suffers from hypertension, with women more likely to be affected than men. The issue is exacerbated by high rates of overweight, obesity, and elevated cholesterol levels, with women particularly affected. Younger adults aged 35 to 45 are increasingly presenting with severe complications such as strokes and kidney disease.\n\nHigh blood pressure, obesity, and unhealthy dietary habits are significant risk factors for CVD. Excessive sodium intake is a major driver of CVD risk, exacerbated by hidden salt in various foods, including traditional delicacies like koobi, momoni, and kako. Physical inactivity, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, alcohol consumption, and the use of shisha and vaping among the youth also contribute to cardiovascular risk. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated action at multiple levels, including routine screenings, increased physical activity, and reduced salt intake.\n\nThe Programmes Manager of the Ghana Health Service's Diet and Healthy Living Program, Mrs. Catherine Adu-Asare, highlighted that non-communicable diseases, including CVD, are a grave concern, with 45% of deaths in Ghana attributed to them. She noted that 15% of people eat for health and nutrition, while the majority consume food due to convenience and cost. Processed foods contain unhealthy preservatives and chemicals, and only 9.9% of people meet minimum physical activity recommendations. Unhealthy diets high in salt, sugar, and LDL cholesterol, yet low in fiber, negatively impact blood pressure, leading to plaque buildup, inflammation, and clot formation, ultimately causing heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.\n\nTo combat these risks, Mrs. Adu-Asare proposed a four-star diet consisting of staples, legumes and seeds, fruits and vegetables, and animal-source foods. Fiber, found in whole grains, oats, brown rice, beans, and fruits and vegetables, is essential for reducing bad cholesterol and regulating blood sugar. By adopting healthier dietary habits and lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of CVD and other non-communicable diseases.",
  "summary": "A scene during the media engagement Physician Specialist, Department of Cardiology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Florence Koryo Akumiah, has disclosed that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of Read More... The post ‘Cardiovascular Disease Is Leading Cause Of Morbidity, Mortality’ appeared first on DailyGuide Network .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}