Cardiovascular Diseases Crowned Leading Cause of Deaths In Ghana

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been confirmed as the leading cause of deaths in Ghana.

The Ministry of Health, in a statement, said there is an upsurge in admissions of patients with complications that could have been prevented or better managed with early diagnosis, lifestyle interventions, and continuous care.

It said the government and its Agencies have undertaken interventions like the development of the National NCD Policy 2022 to reduce exposure to risk factors that contribute to NCDs and strengthen early detection and management to reduce death from NCDs, amongst others.

Other interventions, such as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (popularly known as the MahamaCares) and the Free Primary Health Care, will address the burden of non-communicable diseases by making evidence-based care universally available, accessible, and affordable to Ghanaians.

Urging citizens to take advantage of these and many other initiatives, the Ministry encouraged all key stakeholders to carry out sensitisation and screening activities to help improve the outcomes of heart health in Ghana.

It comes as the world marks World Heart Day 2025 under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat”.

The aim of this year’s celebration is to raise awareness, promote the prevention, early detection, and control of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Data shows that Cardiovascular diseases kill 20.5 million people every year around the world, with about 75% of these deaths occurring in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Meanwhile, evidence shows that 80% of premature deaths from heart diseases can be prevented by practising healthy lifestyles.

These include eating fruits and vegetables, reducing intake of highly processed and salted foods, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, self-monitoring your blood pressure regularly, and taking your prescribed medications daily if living with any cardiovascular disease.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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