{
  "id": 2094218,
  "title": "Uncontrolled BP: Major driver of stroke, kidney diseases – Cardiologist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/uncontrolled-bp-major-driver-of-stroke-kidney-diseases-cardiologist",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-20T07:38:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/uncontrolled-bp-major-driver-of-stroke-kidney-diseases-cardiologist/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions worldwide and is a significant contributor to serious health issues such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney diseases. Despite being a common condition, many individuals remain unaware of their elevated blood pressure levels, as symptoms often do not manifest until substantial damage has already occurred.\n\nAccording to the World Health Organization, over one billion people globally are at risk due to uncontrolled hypertension. Out of the 1.4 billion adults aged between 30 and 79 years who have high blood pressure, only one in five has their condition under control. The only way to monitor and manage blood pressure is through regular checks.\n\nDr. Florence Akumiah, a Cardiology Fellow and Physician Specialist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, emphasizes that symptoms typically arise only after damage has been done to an organ. To determine one's blood pressure status, it is essential to measure it. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: the systolic pressure, representing pressure during heart contractions, and the diastolic pressure, denoting pressure during relaxation between beats. Generally, a normal blood pressure reading for healthy adults should be below 120/80 mmHg.\n\nDr. Akumiah advises that adults, particularly those with a family history of hypertension or who are overweight, should have their blood pressure checked at least once annually. Individuals already diagnosed with high blood pressure should monitor their levels more frequently. Regular checks, even for seemingly healthy individuals, can help prevent potentially life-threatening complications, such as strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and vision loss.\n\nTo maintain optimal blood pressure levels, Dr. Akumiah recommends several lifestyle adjustments. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting salt and unhealthy fats in one's diet, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep are all crucial factors in managing blood pressure. It is also essential to adhere to prescribed medications and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan.\n\nIn summary, high blood pressure may go unnoticed, but it poses a significant risk to overall health. Regular screening and early intervention are vital in preventing severe consequences. Knowing one's blood pressure numbers and taking proactive steps to control them can significantly reduce the risk of serious health complications.",
  "summary": "Experts say virtually everyone has some lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) yet symptoms often remain silent. You can have high blood pressure, feel perfectly well and still be heading towards a stroke, heart attack or kidney damage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), uncontrolled high blood pressure puts over one billion … The post Uncontrolled BP: Major…",
  "key_points": [
    "Uncontrolled hypertension affects over a billion people globally",
    "Only one in five adults with high blood pressure have it under control",
    "Regular blood pressure checks are crucial for prevention"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Unchecked high blood pressure greatly increases the risk of severe health complications, making regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments crucial for preventing strokes, kidney diseases, and other life-threatening conditions.",
  "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."
}