Dr. Hafiz Adams, Acting Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, has raised concerns over the alarming rise of hypertension in Ghana, with 34% of adults over 18 diagnosed with high blood pressure. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which could lead to severe health crises such as strokes and heart attacks if not adequately managed.
Such high incidence could also lead to frequent ill-health and absenteeism among the productive force of the country.
Dr. Adams noted that many hypertensive cases go undiagnosed or are inadequately treated, posing a significant risk for future cardiovascular events. He emphasized that the growing prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles—including smoking, poor diets, and lack of physical activity—contributes to this rising health burden.
Renowned Ghanaian cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, highlighted that up to 80% of premature CVD-related deaths can be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices. He stressed the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, warning that diets high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar are strongly linked to heart disease.
Professor Frimpong-Boateng also identified stress as a major contributor to heart diseases, labeling it the “Silent Killer.” Long-term exposure to stress hormones can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and cause inflammation, which can damage the heart. Additionally, prolonged stress negatively affects mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.
The World Health Organization’s estimates reveal that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 43% of total deaths in Ghana, with cardiovascular diseases alone responsible for around 18% of these fatalities. This underscores the need for urgent public health interventions to address hypertension and its associated risks.
