Cardiovascular diseases lead causes of death since 2016
Cardiovascular diseases have been the leading cause of death in Ghanaian hospitals since 2016, according to health officials. Experts are urging the public to monitor blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels to combat rising rates of hypertension and related complications.
Why it matters
Highlights a critical public health crisis in Ghana, emphasizing the need for preventative screening and lifestyle changes to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases.
Accra, Sept. 30, GNA – Heart disease and stroke have accounted for more deaths in Ghanaian hospitals than any other recorded cause since 2016.
Dr Florence Akumiah, a Physician Specialist and Cardiology Fellow in training at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, said this at a media engagement in Accra on Tuesday to mark World Heart Day.
She said about 45 per cent of deaths in Ghana were attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accounting for about 18 per cent of total deaths, according to World Health Organisation data.
Dr Akumiah said the 2023 Ghana WHO STEPS survey of 5,438 adults across all 16 regions showed that about one in five Ghanaian adults had hypertension, equivalent to approximately 3.7 million people.
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