Hypertension a leading cause of death in Ghana

Dr. Sussie Anku, Medical Director of Weija-Gbawe Municipal Hospital, on Wednesday stated that hypertension was a leading cause of death and disability in Ghana.She said the prevalence rate of the disease was about 40 per cent.Dr Anku stated this during a Zoom workshop she held for a section of members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, in Ghana.It was on the theme: The silent killer, understanding the risks and complications of uncontrolled hypertension.'Dr. Anku mentioned some signs and symptoms associated with hypertension such as headache, dizziness, nosebleeds, fatigue, and vision changes.She noted that uncontrolled hypertension could lead to cardiovascular and kidney diseases, eye damage, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of death.Dr. Anku noted that there were three types of hypertension which she said were primary, secondary, and white coat.She explained that primary hypertension was common among adults and adolescents whilst secondary hypertension occurred due to some underl ying diseases and was common in infants and younger children.She intimated that the white-coat hypertension patients were patients with BP levels above the 95th percentile in a physician's office and monotensive outside.The Medical Director disclosed that there were modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with the disease.She mentioned the modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.The non-modifiable risk factors she continued were family history, age, ethnicity, and gender, adding 'men are more susceptible than women.'Dr Anku asked people to lower their salt and sugar intake, take high-fiber foods, fruits and vegetables and engage in physical activity.She stated that weight and stress management were also essential, adding 'regularly seek expert medical care and religiously take your drugs.''Health is a precious gift from God, let us take care of it and it will take care of us,' the Medical Director asse rted.She called on Ghanaians to make healthy choices, prioritize self-care and take control of their own lives.Source: Ghana News Agency