World Hypertension Day: Know Your Pressure, Control Your Future

By Linda Naa Dede Aryeetey

Accra, May 17, GNA - Hypertension is a medical issue characterized by elevated blood pressure against the arterial walls.

This moniker "silent killer" stems from the fact that numerous individuals only become aware of issues once significant harm has occurred due to the lack of noticeable symptoms.

If not treated, high blood pressure may result in severe medical issues including strokes, heart attacks, and renal failure.

On May 17, 2025, as Ghana participates globally in celebrating World Hypertension Day, healthcare professionals are stressing the significance of regular blood pressure checks for everyone—regardless of age—and particularly emphasizing this for individuals with associated risks.

World Hypertension Day serves as a reminder for people to check their blood pressure levels and ensure they remain within a healthy range.

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a prevalent medical condition impacting countless individuals worldwide without drawing attention until it leads to substantial harm to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain.

The 2023 Ghana STEPS report, an essential resource for evaluating risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases, indicates that out of 3.7 million Ghanaians aged between 18 and 69 who suffer from hypertension, as many as 1.9 million remain oblivious to their high blood pressure condition.

The report indicates that seven out of ten men suffering from hypertension are not aware of their condition, whereas four out of every ten women with high blood pressure share this lack of awareness.

This year's World Hypertension Day urges health care providers to implement measures such as blood pressure checks, local gatherings, and educational initiatives to enhance understanding of hypertension and provide better strategies for its management.

On World Hypertension Day, Meatless Monday Ghana suggests five top foods that Ghanaians can consume to help manage high blood pressure.

Fruits

The Meatless Monday campaign highlights that fruits high in potassium, such as bananas and fresh coconuts, are advantageous for managing blood pressure. They also mentioned that berries, particularly blueberries which contain nitric oxide, can assist in reducing blood pressure levels.

Lime, orange, and grapefruit, which contain folate, may assist in raising blood pressure for those who have low readings.

Fruits such as watermelon, tomatoes, avocados, and papayas may also offer advantages for managing high blood pressure.

A study supported by the British Heart Foundation indicates that beetroot juice, which is rich in nitrates, could potentially aid in reducing blood pressure.

Vegetables

The campaign states that green leafy vegetables such ascocoyam leaves, often referred to as Kontomire, cassava leaves known as gboma, spinach, and moringa offer an abundance of potassium, magnesium, and folic acid along with other essential nutrients. These components may assist in reducing blood pressure levels.

The report stated, "Rather than concentrating on a single type of fruit or veggie, aim to consume at least five servings daily. By selecting an assortment of differently hued fruits and veggies, you'll gain access to a broad spectrum of essential nutrients."

Wholegrains

The campaign states that whole grains such as maize or corn, millet, brown rice, sorghum, and oats have higher amounts of nutrients and fiber compared to processed starchy carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and polished rice.

It was mentioned that consuming foods rich in magnesium has been associated with a reduced risk of heart and circulatory diseases, whereas soluble fiber from oats might aid in reducing blood pressure.

"If you're aiming for weight loss, increasing your fiber intake is recommended. This can also contribute to lowering your blood pressure. Opting for high-fiber, starchy carbohydrates across all your meals is a simple method to boost your fiber consumption," the advice stated.

Lean Protein

Meatless Monday recommended for Ghanaians to switch to low-fat protein options like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, aiding in reducing weight and blood pressure.

Fortified Plant-based Milk

The statement indicated that enhanced plant-based milks such as almond, soy, and oat milk may provide approximately 240 mg of calcium per cup. This level of calcium is closely associated with decreased blood pressure.

Similarly, low-fat dairy like semi-skimmed milk and low-fat natural yogurt also give calcium and protein without excess saturated fat.

The Meatless Monday initiative suggests that dietary changes alone are insufficient for lowering blood pressure.

It emphasized the importance of hypertensive patients taking their prescribed medications and aiming to become more physically active; quitting smoking; as well as keeping a healthy weight.

GNA

ABD

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