A Radiologist at the Kumasi South Hospital, Dr. Francis Okyere, has warned that poor diet and high intake of sugar and salt can cause catastrophic cardiovascular problems.
According to him, other major risk factors for heart diseases include lack of exercise, obesity, chronic smoking, stress, lack of good sleep and air pollution.
He gave the caution when OTEC News Desk called on him as part of activities marking World Heart Day on September 29, 2026.
Speaking to OTEC News’ Grace Afrah Frimpong, Sandra Yeboah and Emmanuel Kamasa , Dr. Okyere emphasized the need for good health practices to protect oneself from cardiovascular diseases.
He advised the public to adopt healthy eating habits, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and ensure adequate rest to keep the heart healthy.
Dr. Okyere noted that many people ignore early warning signs of heart disease, which often leads to severe complications and even death.
World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29.
In 2026, it falls on a Tuesday and continues the World Heart Federation’s “Don’t Miss a Beat” campaign, centred on the message “Heart Disease Can Hide In Plain Sight: Don’t Miss A Beat.”
He said the campaign encourages people to recognise cardiovascular disease signs and symptoms, protect heart health and pay attention to risk factors that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Afrah Grace, Sandra Yeboah and Emmanuel Kamasa
