Accra: Lifestyle modifications such as effective stress management, reduced alcohol intake, and cutting down on salt and processed foods can significantly lower the risk of early death among persons living with hypertension. Dr. Felix Awindaogo, a Cardiologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, emphasized the importance of these changes in managing hypertension effectively and preventing premature deaths.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Awindaogo explained that hypertension is a lifelong condition, but a combination of non-pharmacological interventions and the right medication regimen could prevent complications that often lead to early mortality. He highlighted that uncontrolled hypertension could increase the risk of early death by about 13 percent.
Dr. Awindaogo pointed out that a 10mmHg reduction in blood pressure could significantly decrease the incidence of strokes, heart attacks, and cardiac arrests associated with hypertension. He expressed concern over patients defaulting on treatment schedules and failing to attend scheduled reviews, which undermines effective management. 'Most patients do not attend reviews on time for accurate checks and recommendations which affect their treatment plans,' he noted.
He urged patients experiencing side effects such as impotence and other complications to seek medical advice instead of abandoning treatment, stressing that such reactions could be safely managed. Dr. Awindaogo noted that while some patients report late with complications already developed, timely intervention could still halt progression. He added that these drug reactions are often due to individual physiology, medical conditions, or interference from other medications.
Advising that medications for hypertension are lifelong, Dr. Awindaogo recommended not stopping medication, consistently modifying lifestyle, and ensuring regular screenings from age 35 for early detection and prevention of complications. He also encouraged the public to purchase blood pressure monitoring devices from approved pharmacies and monitor their readings at home to support clinical management.