The National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has reported a staggering 10,000 cases of heart-related diseases at its Out-Patient Department (OPD) in 2024, underscoring the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in Ghana.
The figure, which does not include inpatients and those who underwent heart surgery, highlights a worrying trend of increasing heart conditions nationwide.
Within the same year, the Centre carried out about 500 heart surgeries and managed 150 cases through its state-of-the-art Cath Lab, a specialised facility for advanced cardiovascular interventions and research.
Revealing the statistics at the launch of the 2025 World Heart Day in Accra on Monday, the Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Dr Kow Entsua-Mensah, said the Centre was already recording higher numbers this year, with an average of 350 new patients each month.
“What we have noticed is that the cases are increasing, not because the population is increasing, but because a lot more people are developing heart diseases,” he said.
Dr. Entsua-Mensah attributed the trend to lifestyle changes and urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier habits. He recommended at least 45 minutes of daily exercise, diets low in carbohydrates, and meals rich in vegetables and proteins. He also advised cutting down on processed foods, refined sugar, and salt, alongside regular hydration, adequate sleep, and at least 25 minutes of walking daily.
He stressed the need for nationwide education on heart health, regular cardiovascular screening, and the provision of essential diagnostic equipment in health facilities.
He further called for the establishment of a national heart institute to drive specialist training, research, and public education on cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Entsua-Mensah also appealed to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to provide the Centre with modern equipment and financial support to ease the high cost of care for patients.
World Heart Day, marked annually on September 29, seeks to raise global awareness of cardiovascular health. This year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” emphasises the urgency of prioritising heart health to prevent the growing epidemic of cardiovascular disease.
