Heart disease not illness for old people illness

It has been the belief of most Ghanaians that heart disease affects only old people. This belief is wrong and must change.

Heart disease can affect both the young and the old. Therefore, people should not ignore symptoms simply because they believe they are too young to have a heart problem.

Dr Penelope Adinku, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has cautioned the public against such misconceptions.

She urged Ghanaians to pay attention to warning signs including chest pain or discomfort, unexplained shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, palpitations, dizziness or fainting, and swelling of the legs.

Although these symptoms do not always mean that someone has heart disease, persistent, new or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a health professional.

Sadly, many people wait until their condition becomes serious before seeking medical help. Some dismiss symptoms, while others believe that heart disease cannot affect them because of their age. This must change.

Regular health checks are important because conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol may not show clear symptoms but can increase the risk of heart disease.

Speaking with The Spectator, Dr Adinku rightly noted that, “prevention and early detection are just as important as treatment.”

The paper therefore urges Ghanaians to take greater responsibility for their health by eating healthier foods, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and going for regular health checks.

However, individuals cannot do this alone. Ghana’s health system must also be strengthened to provide timely and affordable cardiac care.

Limited access to specialised heart services remains a concern. Some patients report late to health facilities, while others face financial difficulties that delay diagnosis and treatment.

Government and other stakeholders must invest in specialised equipment, improve referral systems and train and retain more cardiac specialists and other health professionals.

The cost of treatment must also be addressed so that patients are not denied essential care because they cannot afford it.

Public education is equally important. Schools, workplaces, communities and the media must help dispel myths about heart disease and promote healthy living.

Ghana has made progress in cardiac care, but more needs to be done.

The country must focus not only on treating heart disease but also on preventing it and detecting it early.