34% of Ghanaian adults hypertensive, most unaware – Cardiologist

Research estimates that about 34 per cent of adults in Ghana are living with hypertension, meaning roughly three to four out of every 10 adults could have high blood pressure, a cardiologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Albert Agbi, has disclosed. According to a report by citinewsroom.com on September 11, 2026, Dr Agbi said the prevalence of hypertension remains a major concern because many people with the condition are unaware of their status. He explained that hypertension often develops without noticeable symptoms, with complications such as stroke sometimes becoming the first indication that a person has been living with high blood pressure. “There are many people who have been diagnosed with hypertension. Research puts the Ghana prevalence around 34 percent, which means that about three to four adults out of ten are hypertensive, and most of them don’t know because if you have hypertension, there are no symptoms; the first symptoms are the complications,” he said. Stroke, heart disease driving nearly 50% of deaths in Ghana – Cardiologist Dr Agbi therefore urged Ghanaians to prioritise regular medical examinations to enable the early detection and management of hypertension before it leads to serious health complications. He also cautioned people who have been prescribed medication against stopping their treatment because of concerns about possible side effects, particularly erectile dysfunction among men. Dr Agbi said some men stop taking their medication when they experience difficulties with sexual performance, but warned that doing so could have serious consequences. “The people on medication, especially the men, say they would rather die than have erectile dysfunction. Some of the medication can cause some weaknesses, and the men say sometimes if they have to perform, they don’t take the medication, and they come with a stroke after a week,” he noted. MRA/BAI “I’m a Single Mother, I Sell Pure Water to Care for Him” – Woman Cries Over Son’s School Placement Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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