High Salt Intake Linked to Hypertension, Warns Physician Assistant

Mr. Rocky Tettedzie, a Physician Assistant at Pleasant Medical Centre, has emphasized the importance of reducing salt intake due to its link to hypertension.

Mr. Tettedzie highlighted that hypertension is a leading cause of early death globally. In Ghana alone, over 600,000 people are diagnosed with hypertension each year, and about 46% of adults with the condition are unaware they have it.

He pointed out that many foods already contain a lot of salt in the form of sodium. Despite this, people often add extra salt to their meals, increasing their risk of developing hypertension. Therefore, it is crucial to consume salt in moderation.

During a preventive healthcare talk at the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) 75th anniversary health screening in Tema, Mr. Tettedzie mentioned that preventive measures for hypertension include regular physical activity, avoiding alcohol, and not smoking.

He also noted that the risk of hypertension increases with age and is more common in men than women. Other risk factors include family history, smoking, obesity, and eating fatty foods.

“Symptoms of hypertension can include irregular heartbeat, headaches, chest pain, and changes in vision,” he added.

Mr. Tettedzie advised people to engage in physical activities for at least 30 minutes, three times a week, and to seek early medical treatment if diagnosed with hypertension.

He explained that hypertension can affect any part of the body, and by the time symptoms become noticeable, the condition may have already caused significant damage.

He also warned against consuming large amounts of red meat for those with hypertension and recommended eating more fish instead.

For those who drink alcohol, Mr. Tettedzie advised moderation, as alcohol is a risk factor not only for hypertension but also for other non-communicable diseases.

GNA