Lifestyle modifications such as effective stress management, reduced alcohol intake, cutting down on salt, and processed foods can significantly lower the risk of early death among persons living with hypertension.

Dr. Felix Awindaogo, a Cardiologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, said hypertension is a lifelong condition, but non-pharmacological interventions combined with the right medication regimen can prevent complications that often lead to premature deaths.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Awindaogo explained that uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of early mortality by about 13 per cent.

He noted that a 10mmHg reduction in blood pressure can substantially decrease the incidence of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and cardiac arrest associated with hypertension.

Dr. Awindaogo expressed concern that many patients default on treatment schedules and fail to attend scheduled reviews, a situation he said undermines effective management.

“Most patients do not attend reviews on time for accurate checks and recommendations, which affects their treatment plans,” he said.

He urged patients experiencing side effects such as impotence and other complications to seek medical advice instead of abandoning treatment, stressing that such reactions can be safely managed.

He noted that while some patients report late with complications already developed, timely intervention can still halt progression.

He added that such reactions to hypertension drugs are often based on physiology, medical conditions, or interactions with other medications.

“Medications for hypertension are lifelong. Do not stop taking your medication. Consistently modify your lifestyle, and you can live with the condition for over 50 years,” he advised.

The cardiologist also called for regular screening from age 35, saying early detection is key to preventing complications.

He advised the public to purchase blood pressure monitoring devices from approved pharmacies and to monitor their readings at home to support clinical management.