Accra: The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCC) of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital launched the 2026 World Heart Awareness Month, urging Ghanaians to prioritise cardiovascular health through regular screenings, healthy lifestyles, and early detection.
According to Ghana News Agency, the month-long campaign themed 'Heart Disease Can Hide in Plain Sight, Don't Miss a Beat,' aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases while encouraging both individuals and institutions to take preventive measures. Professor Alfred Doku, the Chairman of the World Heart Awareness Month Planning Committee, highlighted the increasing toll of cardiovascular diseases in Ghana, noting uncontrolled hypertension as a significant factor.
Prof Doku, a Cardiologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, pointed out that hypertension affects approximately 30% of Ghanaian adults, many of whom remain unaware of their condition. Highlighting the silent nature of hypertension, he urged Ghanaians to be as familiar with their blood pressure as they are with their telephone numbers and to regularly monitor their blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and body mass index.
He encouraged healthcare workers to use patient interactions as opportunities for hypertension screening, citing antenatal visits and routine checks as potential points for early detection. Additionally, Prof. Doku emphasised the importance of recognising warning signs such as sudden weakness, chest pain, and breathing difficulties, urging immediate medical attention.
Prof. Doku advocated for lifestyle changes, including reduced salt consumption, increased physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. He stressed that hypertension management is a continuous process and called for greater investment in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, ensuring that medication costs do not impede access to healthcare.
Dr Ekow Entsua-Mensah, Director of NCC, underscored that addressing cardiovascular disease requires a collective effort beyond the health sector. While the NCC can offer specialist care and public education, the broader fight against cardiovascular diseases hinges on prevention and early detection.
Dr Entsua-Mensah identified several risk factors, including diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and unhealthy diets, urging a national focus on cardiovascular health. He called on the Government, healthcare institutions, and corporate organisations to support public education, screening, and treatment initiatives.
The campaign will feature media engagements, health walks, public education, and screening programmes, aiming to promote prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. The World Heart Day 2026, observed globally on September 29, will further highlight cardiovascular diseases as leading causes of death, motivating worldwide action towards heart health improvement.