Half of KATH stroke patients are under 45
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 3News
Illustrative image · RDNE Stock project · Pexels · Licence PexelsKomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana records more than 1,000 stroke admissions every year, nearly half involving people under 45. Neurologist Priscilla Abrafi Asafo-Adjei is calling for stronger prevention as hypertension and diabetes rates rise, 3News reports.
Nearly half of the more than 1,000 annual stroke admissions at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Ghana involve people under the age of 45, neurologist Priscilla Abrafi Asafo-Adjei warned, according to 3News on Saturday.
The specialist was speaking during a free screening campaign organised in Antoakrom by the KATH multidisciplinary team and MP Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo. The operation aimed to detect hypertension and diabetes and other risk factors in order to promote early treatment.
The health director for Amansie West District, Bernard Badu Bediako, said hypertension accounted for between 5% and 6% of outpatient consultations in the district. He attributed the increase in cases among young people to poor eating habits and excessive salt consumption. Suspected stroke cases are referred to KATH for treatment.
