Stroke, heart disease driving nearly 50% of deaths in Ghana – Cardiologist

Close to 50 per cent of people who die in Ghana die from stroke or heart disease, Head of Cardiology at the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Prof Alfred Doku, has disclosed. He said cardiovascular diseases had become the major driver of mortality in the country, with hypertension identified as a key factor contributing to the growing burden of stroke and heart disease. “Close to 50% of people who die in Ghana die from stroke or heart disease. That is the main thing that is driving mortality in Ghana,” Prof Doku said. According to a report by adomonline.com on September 9, 2026, the situation is particularly worrying because cardiovascular diseases are increasingly affecting younger people, including those below 50 years. “It occurs in younger people, those younger than 50 years. So, the workforce is dying from heart disease and stroke,” he indicated. Prof Doku said Ghana’s disease burden had changed significantly over the years, with the country moving from a predominance of communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases. Stroke becomes Ghana's deadliest killer – GBD 2025 “In the past, it was mainly malaria, TB, HIV, malnutrition, but we’ve taken care of these diseases,” he noted. He identified hypertension as one of the major underlying causes of the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases in the country. “The current problem is heart disease and stroke driven mainly by hypertension,” Prof Doku said. The cardiologist subsequently cautioned people living with hypertension against stopping their prescribed medication because of fears that the drugs could affect their sexual performance. He said concerns about erectile dysfunction were causing some male patients to avoid or discontinue their medication, potentially exposing themselves to serious and life-threatening complications. “Some of the patients are afraid of taking the medication, especially hypertension medication, because of erectile dysfunction. They cannot perform in the bedroom,” he said. Prof Doku, however, dismissed the perception that all hypertension medications cause erectile dysfunction, describing it as a misconception. Ministry of Health hands over free primary healthcare facility to Assin North District “And also, the myth that every hypertension medication causes erectile dysfunction is not true,” he stressed. He explained that erectile dysfunction experienced by some patients could be caused by underlying conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, rather than the medication itself. “So, if you’re having an issue with erectile dysfunction, it could even be the diabetes or the hypertension that is causing it, not necessarily the drug,” he said. He urged patients experiencing side effects from their medication to consult their doctors instead of discontinuing treatment on their own. “So, if you have any concerns, discuss with your doctor,” he advised. Prof Doku said doctors had different treatment options and could adjust or change a patient’s medication to manage side effects while ensuring that hypertension remained under control. “We have different medications; we can change them, adjust them so that you can perform in the bedroom,” he said. He warned that uncontrolled hypertension could increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, permanent disability and death. “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,” Prof Doku cautioned. MRA/BAI “They Were SHOCKED!” Watch Robbery Suspects React as IGP Plays Their Robbery Videos Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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