The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCC) has cautioned Ghanaians about the rising threat of cardiovascular diseases, urging the public to undergo regular health screenings and prioritise early detection, as heart conditions can develop silently for years without noticeable symptoms.
The Director of the NCC at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Kow Entsua-Mensah, said cardiovascular diseases remained a major public health challenge that required a collective response beyond the health sector.
Speaking at the launch of World Heart Day 2026 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra last Wednesday, Dr Entsua-Mensah described this year’s theme, “Heart Disease Can Hide in Plain Sight, Don’t Miss a Beat,” as both a warning and a call for urgent action.
He identified hypertension as one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, noting that it could persist for years without producing obvious symptoms.
Dr Entsua-Mensah further explained that diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption could gradually damage the cardiovascular system long before individuals became aware of the risks.
He consequently urged the public to take warning signs seriously and seek medical attention when they experience unusual chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations or other symptoms associated with heart disease and stroke.
“Don’t miss a beat”
Dr. Entsua-Mensah emphasised that combating cardiovascular diseases requires collaboration among various sectors, including the government, healthcare institutions, corporate organisations, schools, workplaces, faith-based organisations, civil society, and the media. He urged Ghanaians to be aware of their health risks, recognise warning signs, and seek medical attention promptly. He pointed out that a beating pulse serves as a reminder of each individual’s responsibility to protect their heart.
“This year, Ghana will not miss a beat. And certainly, you are not going to miss a beat. Your family is not going to miss a beat,” he stated. The activities for World Heart Day 2026 will focus on raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases, promoting prevention, and encouraging early detection and treatment of hypertension and other heart-related conditions.
Leading cause of death
Prof. Alfred Doku, Head of Cardiology at the University of Ghana and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, has highlighted cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death in Ghana. He explained that while public health efforts have traditionally focused on malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, conditions such as stroke and heart failure are now surpassing them as major drivers of mortality.
As Chairman of the World Heart Awareness Month Planning Committee, Prof. Doku noted that cardiovascular diseases account for 43–50% of deaths nationwide, with uncontrolled hypertension being the primary factor. He stressed that hypertension affects all age groups, often leading to complications like stroke and heart failure. Alarmingly, more than one in five Ghanaians—about 30% of adults—live with hypertension, and 70% of them are unaware of their condition.
Prof. Doku said the situation was particularly worrying because cardiovascular disease was affecting younger people in Ghana and across Africa, unlike in many Western countries where deaths from heart disease and stroke occurred predominantly among older people.
Know your numbers
Prof. Doku urged Ghanaians to make regular health checks part of their lifestyle, particularly checking blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and body mass index (BMI). He challenged members of the public to know their blood pressure in the same way they knew their telephone numbers. “When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?
Do you know your blood sugar level?
Do you know your cholesterol level? Do you know your weight and your BMI?” he asked and called on healthcare professionals to use every interaction with patients as an opportunity to conduct basic cardiovascular screening. “Every pregnant woman attending antenatal clinic, patients seeking wound dressing and even people visiting health facilities for malaria tests could have their blood pressure checked as part of routine care”, he stated
Lifestyle changes
Prof. Doku stated that approximately 80 percent of strokes and heart attacks could be prevented through appropriate lifestyle changes and early management of risk factors. He urged Ghanaians to reduce their intake of salt, oil, and highly processed seasonings, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and limit exposure to second-hand smoke. He further encouraged people to incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into their daily routines whenever possible.
Regarding alcohol consumption, Prof. Doku noted that emerging evidence suggests that no amount of alcohol can be considered completely safe, and he advised those who do not drink to avoid starting. He also emphasised the importance of adhering to prescribed medication for hypertension, stating, “Hypertension treatment is not a one-week course; it is a long journey.” He explained that patients should not stop taking their medication simply because they feel well or their blood pressure has been controlled. Controlled blood pressure often indicates that the medication is working and does not necessarily mean that the condition has been cured.
Call for investment
Prof. Doku also called for increased investment in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. He said funding for heart disease and stroke remained inadequate and urged the government, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support interventions aimed at improving prevention, screening, treatment and access to essential medicines.
He also called for measures to make hypertension medicines affordable, noting that families should not have to choose between purchasing essential medication and meeting other basic needs.
