Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, are said to be accountable for nearly half of all Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) deaths, according to a report. Dr. Robert Yeboah, Senior Technical Advisor, Non-Communicable Disease, PATH Ghana, an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has said cardiovascular disease was the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 18.6 million lives each year.
He also stressed that Hypertension was a silent killer associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These disclosures were made at a Health Screening Programme organised by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) with support from PATH Ghana at the Sofoline Lorry Terminal, as part of activities to mark World Heart Day. It was themed:
“Use Heart for every Heart.”
The day is observed to increase awareness on cardiovascular health and presents an opportunity to unite in the fight against CVD and reduce the global disease burden.
It also offers another opportunity to heighten awareness on hypertension and other related cardiovascular conditions, and to accelerate efforts at prevention, screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to reduce mortality from its complications.
Dr. Yeboah reminded the general public on the need for concerted action to ensure that people know that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity, at least, 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.
He underscored that, as the implementing partner for the Healthy Heart Africa (HHA) programme in Ghana, PATH was collaborating with the Ghana Health Service to improve health outcomes for people living with hypertension, many of whom were unaware of their status.
Dr. Emmanuel Tenkorang, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), explained that, the heart was the muscle at the centre of the circulation system, pumping blood around the body as it beats.
He indicated the heart is the only organ one can hear and feel, and is the first and last sign of life as oxygen and nutrients are sent to all parts of the body through the blood and carries away unwanted carbon dioxide and waste products.
He indicated that, some of the ways to reduce risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) include eating healthy balanced diet, be physically active, keep to healthy weight, give up smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, enough sleep and keeping ones blood pressure
under control by checking frequently and early reporting of illness at health facilities.
