A Senior Physician Specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, Dr Thomas Agbemaple, has warned that unhealthy lifestyle choices, particularly diets high in fats and oils, are contributing significantly to the rising risk of stroke in Ghana.
Dr Agbemaple explained that dietary habits can increase the buildup of cholesterol inside blood vessels, potentially restricting blood flow to the brain and increasing the likelihood of an ischaemic stroke.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, August 26, he revealed that approximately eight out of every 10 stroke patients suffer an ischaemic stroke, making it the most common type of stroke.
Two Major Types of Stroke
According to Dr Agbemaple, stroke is generally classified into two major categories: ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke.
An ischaemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, preventing sufficient blood and oxygen from reaching part of the brain.
A haemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding that can damage surrounding brain tissue.
Dr Agbemaple noted that the high prevalence of ischaemic stroke is closely associated with the accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty deposits along the walls of blood vessels.
High-Fat Diets Linked to Stroke Risk
The physician specialist attributed part of the growing concern to changes in eating habits, particularly the increasing consumption of fried foods, cooking oils and foods containing high levels of unhealthy fats.
He said Ghanaian diets are becoming increasingly influenced by Western-style eating patterns, with many people consuming meals containing excessive amounts of oil and fat.
Over time, such dietary patterns can contribute to high cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors, which may increase the possibility of blood vessel blockage and stroke.
Doctor Calls for Healthier Eating Habits
Dr Agbemaple’s warning highlights the importance of healthy eating, regular physical activity and lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Reducing excessive consumption of fried foods and unhealthy fats, while adopting a more balanced diet, can form part of broader efforts to prevent lifestyle-related health conditions.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about stroke, hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com