A leading Ghanaian cardiologist has raised concerns about the growing impact of cardiovascular diseases in the country, revealing that stroke and heart disease are estimated to account for between 40% and 50% of deaths in Ghana.
Professor Alfred Doku, head of the Cardiology Department at the National Cardiothoracic Centre, warned that cardiovascular conditions are increasingly affecting younger people and should no longer be regarded as illnesses that primarily affect the elderly.
According to the cardiologist, people below the age of 50 are increasingly being diagnosed with serious cardiovascular conditions, highlighting the need for greater awareness and early prevention.
His comments come amid broader concerns over the cardiovascular disease burden in Ghana. Research has identified stroke and ischaemic heart disease among the leading causes of death in the country, with hypertension considered one of the major preventable risk factors.
Prof. Doku particularly highlighted uncontrolled high blood pressure as a major contributor to stroke and heart disease. He urged people diagnosed with hypertension to take the condition seriously and follow medical advice rather than abandoning treatment without consulting healthcare professionals.
He also expressed concern about some patients discontinuing their blood pressure medication because of fears about possible side effects, including concerns related to sexual health.
The cardiologist explained that erectile dysfunction may itself be associated with underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. He therefore advised patients who experience possible side effects from medication to speak with their doctors so that appropriate adjustments can be considered instead of stopping treatment on their own.
The warning underscores the importance of regular medical checks, particularly for people who may have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
The Ghanaian Society of Cardiology has previously described cardiovascular disease as a major contributor to the country’s non-communicable disease burden. The Ghana Heart Initiative has also highlighted the premature and sometimes sudden nature of deaths associated with cardiovascular conditions, including strokes and heart disease.
Globally, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, with the World Heart Federation estimating that about 20 million people die from cardiovascular diseases each year. The organisation has continued to call for stronger prevention, early detection and access to appropriate treatment.
In Ghana, health experts continue to encourage greater attention to conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as other factors that can increase cardiovascular risk.
Prof. Doku’s warning therefore serves as another reminder that heart disease and stroke can affect people at different stages of life. Early detection, proper medical care and adherence to prescribed treatment remain important parts of reducing the impact of these conditions.
Source: Thepressradio.com
