Cardiologist reports rising deaths from heart disease among people under 50 in Ghana
In Ghana, an increasing number of people under the age of 50 are dying from heart disease and strokes. Professor Alfred Doku, head of the cardiology department at the National Cardiothoracic Centre, linked this trend to the growing burden of uncontrolled hypertension, MyJoyOnline reports.
According to the cardiologist's estimate, strokes and heart disease account for 40% to 50% of all deaths in the country. He noted that these conditions are no longer predominantly characteristic of older people and are increasingly affecting people under 50, including the working-age population.
Hypertension and cardiovascular disease
Doku said that Ghana's main public health concerns previously included malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and malnutrition. Now, he said, heart disease and strokes are largely linked to high blood pressure.
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The cardiologist warned that untreated hypertension can lead to stroke, heart disease, sudden death, or permanent disability resulting from a stroke.
Call not to stop treatment
Professor Doku also expressed concern that some patients, particularly men, refuse hypertension medication or stop taking it because of concerns about erectile dysfunction.
He rejected the notion that all high blood pressure medications cause such problems. According to the doctor, erectile dysfunction may be a symptom of hypertension itself or diabetes, rather than a consequence of taking medication. He advised patients with such complaints to discuss them with a doctor, as the treatment regimen or medications can be adjusted if necessary.
