A Neurologist with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Fred Stephen Sarfo has bemoaned over the worrying rate at which stroke cases are being recorded.
According to the Physician, much attention has not been giving to stroke and hypertension cases, as it was to other diseases.
Speaking with Nana Kwadwo Jantuah on the Oyerepa Morning Show, Dr. Fred Stephen Sarfo, stated that the number of stroke cases has increased by 300% in the past 30 years, with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital recording 800 to 900 every year.
”Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide,” he said.
According to him, hypertension is a major cause of stroke adding that the fats in human bodies, as well as diabetes, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking also contribute to the causes of stroke.
Dr. Sarfo underscored the need for Ghanaians to ensure an effective lifestyle in order to avoid the increasing rate of stroke and cancer in the country.
”The amount of salt added to foods should be controlled; Changing lifestyle(s) can also help reduce stroke risk,” he said.
He distinguished between Youth and Young, citing that stroke in a young person has to do with stroke in a person below 50 years. He clarified that 25% of all strokes occur in those 50years and below, while the 75% occur in those above 50years.
The Neurologist attested to the fact that most of the locally made bitters and drinks increase blood pressure, but it’s up to the populace to be discerning as to how to regulate it. He again advised that the young ones should get regular health checks.
On the way forward, he called for advocacy programs adding, “We seldom see advertisements on Stroke and Hypertension as it was in the case of HIV/ AIDS. If the case was the same for stroke and hypertension, enough information would have been disseminated to keep the populace on the lookout.”
He also advised that though fishes contain protein, taking salted fishes should be moderated. Taking in of such fishes should be at most ones a week.
Dr. Fred Sarfo disclosed that per data available to them, men lead in stroke cases because women do detect diseases early as they do patronize the hospital more than men.
