Social media frequently brings shocking news of the sudden deaths of young, seemingly healthy individuals. These unexpected tragedies often leave many asking, "Were they sick? They looked so healthy."

In Ghana, hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, has emerged as the leading cause of death. Recent reports indicate that hypertension was the top cause of death among the top 11 diseases in 2022, according to data from the Births and Deaths Registry. Out of 50,992 registered deaths, 18,689 (36.7%) were due to these top causes, with hypertension alone responsible for 2,573 deaths. Other leading causes included pneumonia, heart failure, acute respiratory failure, stroke, diabetes, severe sepsis, septic shock, chronic liver disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular diseases.

A report by the World Heart Federation, in collaboration with the Ghana Society of Cardiology and SASNET, revealed that an estimated 34% of Ghanaians aged 30 to 70 had hypertension in 2022. Further insights from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Director-General, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, indicated that more than 600,000 people, including 400,000 females and 200,000 males, are diagnosed with high blood pressure annually, with many more cases remaining undiagnosed.

The data also highlighted that hypertension disproportionately affects males, accounting for approximately 60% of hypertension-related deaths. This article explores why high blood pressure is a major threat to both young and old in Ghana.

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently elevated. This "silent killer" can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

Diagnosing Hypertension

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic pressure (the force of the heart pumping blood) and diastolic pressure (the resistance in the blood vessels between heartbeats). Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure readings are consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association classify blood pressure as follows:

1. Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg

2. Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg

3. Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic 80-89 mm Hg

4. Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic 140 mm Hg or higher or diastolic 90 mm Hg or higher

Symptoms and Risks of High Blood Pressure

Often called the "silent killer," high blood pressure typically has no symptoms. The only way to know if you have it is through regular blood pressure measurements. However, extremely high blood pressure (180/120 mm Hg or higher) may cause severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), several factors increase the risk of hypertension, including:

• Older age

• Genetics

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• High-salt diet

• Excessive alcohol consumption

Managing Hypertension

Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce high blood pressure. These include:

• Adopting a healthy, low-salt diet

• Losing weight

• Increasing physical activity

• Quitting smoking

• Managing stress

In some cases, medication may be necessary to control high blood pressure. It's crucial to follow medical advice and take prescribed medications as directed.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a silent yet deadly condition that requires proactive management. Regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and adherence to medical advice can help prevent severe complications. Protect your health by taking steps to manage your blood pressure effectively and avoiding unverified treatments unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Remember, "You only live once," so take action to safeguard your life.

Source by www.ghanaweb.com