In Ghana, many people suffer from hypertension without realizing it, making it a concerning public health issue. According to medical professionals, the problem is getting worse as environmental causes, changing lifestyles, and low awareness continue to contribute to the nation’s rising high blood pressure burden.
According to Dr. Mensah Amoah, a physician specialist and nephrologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, studies done in Ghana in 2015 and 2019 showed that almost three out of ten Ghanaians who are 20 years of age or older have hypertension. Because high blood pressure frequently has no overt symptoms, a sizable portion of these people are still ignorant of their problem.
Medical experts warn that untreated hypertension can lead to serious complications, including heart failure, kidney failure, stroke and blindness, as the condition gradually damages vital organs in the body over time.
Recent studies also suggest that the number of people living with hypertension in Ghana continues to rise, while the level of awareness among the population remains low. Health professionals attribute the trend to several factors, including hereditary predisposition, sedentary lifestyles, excessive salt intake and unhealthy diets.
Experts say that polluted settings can cause inflammation in the body, which may raise the chance of developing hypertension. Environmental pollution is also becoming recognized as a contributing factor.
The number of individuals seeking care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is already indicative of the condition’s impact. According to reports, the clinic sees about 100 patients per day and receives about 30 recommendations for diabetes or hypertension.
Physicians caution that treating hypertension-related problems can be quite expensive. The monthly cost of kidney dialysis, which is required when hypertension causes kidney failure, is over GH¢6,000, which puts a significant financial strain on patients and their families.
Health professionals are therefore urging Ghanaians to take preventive measures by undergoing regular medical check-ups, engaging in physical exercise and adopting healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
