By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Adaklu Kodzobi (V/R), April 11, GNA – Heart Health Advocates (HHA), a Health NGO in the Volta region, is working assiduously to transform cardiovascular health in Ghana and Africa, by providing accessible, high-quality care, advancing prevention and empowering communities.
“Our vision is to build a heart-healthy Ghana and Africa where every individual would have access to world-class cardiovascular care, no matter where he or she lives”.
Mr Daniel Seshie, who led a team of medical professionals from HHA on Friday, said this at Adaklu Kodzobi during a free health screening organized by the Advocates for the community.
He stated that they aimed to influence and improve cardiovascular health across the continent and also drove a healthy future for all.
Dr. Seshie intimated that this would be done through innovative treatments, health interventions, collaboration and impactful research.
He disclosed that in Ghana, research had shown that about 10 out of every 100 people were living with some form of heart disease (Doku et al, 2024).
He stated that heart problems including heart attacks and hypertension which were common, though not curable but could be managed and also be prevented.
Dr Seshie said causes of cardiovascular disease could be grouped into two which he mentioned as non-modified and modified risk factors.
He said the non-modified risk factors which no one could do anything about included age, gender, family history and race.
Dr Seshie continued that the modified risk factors were high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol respectively, as well as smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
The others were unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, overweight and poor sleep pattern, he said.
The Doctor stated that the black race was more at risk than the whites due to their lifestyles and men were at risk than women due to their hormones.
He mentioned some of the danger signs of the disease such as chest pains, fast heartbeat, swollen feet or legs, shortness of breath, tiredness or weakness and fainting or dizziness.
Dr Seshie advised the people to check their blood, sugar and cholesterol levels regularly reminding them that “the disease is a silent killer”.
He advised against smoking, alcoholism, high salt and sugar, fatty foods and excessive meat intake.
Dr Seshie advised them to eat more fruits, vegetables and local healthy foods and do daily exercises.
GNA
MA/CAA