Western foods contributing to rise of cardiovascular diseases

Government and health regulatory agencies have been urged to do all within their powers to block the influx and the consumption of some western foods which contribute to the rise of cardiovascular diseases in the country.

Other strategies recommended for the fight against cardiovascular diseases included control of high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and the eating of healthy foods.

This was said by Professor Sam Dagogo-Jack, a renowned Endocrinologist at the University of Tennessee Health Centre, USA, during a summit on cardiovascular diseases which brought together both national and international health professionals to deliberate on the disease over the weekend.

“The aim of this summit is to improve awareness and management of common cardiovascular risk factors such as raised blood pressure, raised cholesterol levels, obesity and the need for healthy lifestyles by stimulating debates, discussions and public education,” he said.

He cited cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic lung diseases, acute lung disease and injuries, as the top killers in the world.

He advised against the use of too much salt and sugar adding that, medically humans are entitled to only one tea spoon of salt in a day.

Dr Kojo Soroh, Medical Director, in charge of Nigeria, Ghana and East Africa Region, Pfizer Incorporated, a global pharmaceutical company, said the summit formed part of Pfizer’s contribution to the advancement of medical knowledge and patient care in Ghana and Africa as a whole.

“This further exemplifies the commitment of Pfizer to world class medical education, capacity building and excellence in service to the Ghanaian health sector,” he said.

He said the summit was also to provide healthcare practitioners an avenue to engage in robust discussions on the latest trends in cardiovascular disease, its management, encourage the use of general treatment guidelines and recommendations for the management of patients with cardiovascular disease.

He pledged Pfizer’s commitment towards setting the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals.

“Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products,” he said.

“Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, treatments and cures that challenges the most diseases of our time,” he added.

He pledged Pfizer’s readiness to collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world, adding that for more than 150 years, Pfizer had worked to make a difference for all who relied on them.