The rise of heart disease among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana, is an alarming trend. During the 12th Leadership Dialogue Series organized by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) on June 6, 2024, this issue was the focal point of discussions, with proposed solutions to address it. Dr. Winfred Baah, a consultant at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and Pearl Exornam Selormey, a registered dietitian-nutritionist, provided detailed analyses on the causes and necessary prevention strategies.
Dr. Baah mentioned a study from a Nairobi university hospital indicating that 27.2% of patients with acute coronary syndrome were under 50, with more than half being smokers. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these diseases among young people, who often seek medical care late, worsening their prognosis.
He also pointed out that this trend in Ghana reflects a global issue where 13.9 million young people are affected by heart conditions. He noted that many young individuals do not seek medical care and often present at advanced stages of the disease, making their management more complex.
According to Pearl Exornam Selormey, there is a high prevalence of obesity among Ghanaian women due to dietary factors contributing to heart disease. “I realized that 50% of Ghanaian women are obese. This implies that many women are at high risk of heart disease,” she stated.
The two experts identified several lifestyle factors contributing to this increase among Ghanaians aged 18 to 45, including poor diet and obesity, increasing physical inactivity, and substance use such as tobacco (cigarettes, shisha), cocaine, opioids, electronic cigarettes, anabolic steroids, and glue.
“Shisha smoking is becoming very common, especially among young women, due to the misconception that it is less harmful than cigarette smoking,” Dr. Baah noted. “Studies show that shisha smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.”
The specialists stressed the need for reforms in healthcare, preventive education, and national campaigns to combat this trend. They believe that with concerted efforts, it is possible to reduce the impact of heart disease and ensure a healthier future for Ghanaian youth.
Source : Joy Online
