Ghana has been urged to intensify efforts to prevent and detect cardiovascular diseases as the country faces a growing burden of the disease. According to Dr Florence Koryo Akumiah, a Specialist in Cardiovascular Health at Korlebu Teaching Hospital, cardiovascular diseases have become a major public health concern in Ghana, accounting for about 18 per cent of deaths in the country. Non-communicable diseases collectively account for about 45 per cent of deaths.
The 2023 Ghana WHO STEPS Survey, the country's first nationwide study of non-communicable disease risk factors, revealed that one in five Ghanaian adults had hypertension, representing about 3.7 million people. The survey covered all 16 regions and involved about 5,438 adults. Its findings also pointed to significant levels of overweight and obesity, raised cholesterol and blood sugar, as well as low levels of physical activity.
Dr Akumiah noted that the challenge was not only the high number of people with hypertension but also the large proportion who were unaware of their condition or were not receiving adequate treatment. She said that even though there seemed to be some awareness about hypertension, translating it into effective control was still a problem that needed to be addressed.
Cardiovascular diseases are often linked to everyday habits, including excessive salt consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol use, tobacco use and stress. The STEPS Survey found that about nine in 10 people added salt while cooking and also at the table, while about 23 per cent regularly consumed very salty processed foods. Changing work and eating patterns have also increased exposure to hidden salt in processed foods.
Physical inactivity is another concern, particularly as more people engage in sedentary work and spend less time on physically demanding activities. Dr Akumiah also noted that tobacco use required attention, particularly among young people who were increasingly moving from conventional cigarettes to shisha and vaping. Alcohol consumption is also significant, with about 31 per cent of men surveyed actively drinking and a considerable number reporting binge drinking.
The burden of cardiovascular disease differs across population groups. Among men, poor blood pressure awareness and control, as well as higher levels of smoking and alcohol use, are key concerns. Among women, overweight, obesity, physical inactivity and raised cholesterol are more prominent, with more than half of the women surveyed being overweight and one in four classified as obese.
Dr Akumiah stressed that cardiovascular risk factors often occurred together, increasing a person's chances of developing heart attacks, strokes and other complications. She encouraged Ghanaians to know their health numbers, including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and to undergo routine health checks even when they felt well. She also called for stronger community and institutional action to promote cardiovascular health.
Key points
- Ghana needs to intensify efforts to prevent and detect cardiovascular diseases.
- Cardiovascular diseases account for about 18 per cent of deaths in Ghana.
- One in five Ghanaian adults has hypertension, representing about 3.7 million people.
