The Head of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Professor Alfred Doku, has raised alarm over the growing threat of hypertension in Ghana, describing the condition as a silent epidemic that is driving cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney failure across the country .
Speaking at the press launch of the 2026 World Heart Day in Accra, Prof. Doku disclosed that more than 70 percent of Ghanaians living with high blood pressure are completely unaware of their condition, leaving millions at risk of life-threatening complications .
A silent killer with no warning signs
According to Prof. Doku, the danger of hypertension lies in its asymptomatic nature, allowing individuals to go about their daily activities without realising they have dangerously high blood pressure .
“You don’t feel anything when you have hypertension. So people can go about their daily activities without knowing that they have very high blood pressure,” he stated .
The cardiologist attributed the rising incidence of hypertension partly to changing lifestyles and warned that the condition could remain undetected for years, with devastating consequences .
Alarming treatment gap
Prof. Doku painted a grim picture of the treatment cascade, noting that even among the minority who are aware of their condition, only a fraction receive adequate care .
“Over 70 percent of Ghanaians with hypertension are not aware of their condition. Those who are aware, only a few of them are on medication, and those on medication, only a few of them have their blood pressure controlled,” he explained .
This treatment gap, he warned, is directly fuelling the rising tide of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure in Ghana . According to recent estimates, cardiovascular disease now accounts for between 40 and 50 percent of deaths in the country, making it the leading driver of mortality .
Hypertension affecting younger population
Prof. Doku noted that Ghana’s disease burden has shifted significantly over the years, with non-communicable diseases replacing communicable diseases as the primary health threat .
“In the past it was mainly malaria, TB, HIV, malnutrition, but we’ve taken care of these diseases,” he said. “The current problem is heart disease and stroke driven mainly by hypertension” .
He warned that cardiovascular diseases are no longer confined to older adults. “Close to 50% of people who die in Ghana die from stroke or heart disease. It occurs in younger people, those younger than 50 years. So the workforce is dying from heart disease and stroke,” he stated .
Concerns over medication adherence
The cardiologist also raised concerns about patients, particularly men, discontinuing their hypertension medication due to fears of erectile dysfunction .
“Some of the patients are afraid of taking the medication, especially hypertension medication, because of erectile dysfunction. They cannot perform in the bedroom,” Prof. Doku said .
He, however, dismissed the perception that all hypertension medications cause erectile dysfunction as a myth, explaining that sexual difficulties may be linked to underlying conditions such as hypertension or diabetes rather than the medication itself .
Prof. Doku urged patients to discuss any side effects with their doctors rather than stopping treatment, warning that uncontrolled hypertension can lead to stroke, heart disease, sudden death, or permanent disability .
“We have different medications; we can change them, adjust them so that you can perform in the bedroom. But don’t stop your medication because if you stop, you will die from stroke, heart disease, or you can develop a permanent disability from a stroke,” he cautioned .
Call to action
The National Cardiothoracic Centre boss called for increased awareness and regular blood pressure checks as part of efforts to address the growing burden of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in Ghana .
The warning comes as Ghana prepares to observe World Heart Day, with health authorities urging Ghanaians to prioritise regular health screenings and adopt healthier lifestyles to combat the silent killer .
