Dr. Paul Lartey of the Chosen Hospital in Tetegu, Accra has warned that lifestyle-related illnesses are now causing more deaths than infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and pneumonia.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, January 23, Dr Lartey said non-communicable diseases develop slowly and often remain unnoticed until they reach a serious stage.

“Non-communicable diseases are what we call lifestyle diseases. They are not caused by any infectious organism. They develop over a period of time, and by the time you start showing symptoms, you are almost at a complicated point,” he explained.

He said these diseases have gradually overtaken communicable diseases, which were once the most common health threats.

“Back in the day, malaria, typhoid, and pneumonia were the most prevalent, but now we have lifestyle diseases, diseases as a result of what you do and how you live your life.”

According to him, the most common non-communicable diseases seen in Ghana include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and cancer. He added that autoimmune diseases are also beginning to appear more frequently in hospitals.

“They are not that common yet, but they are coming up. We are seeing more cases in our hospital, so it is an area to watch.”

Dr Lartey explained that while genetics can increase a person’s risk, lifestyle choices are usually what trigger these conditions.

“For most medical conditions, there is an underlying factor that predisposes you. You can have that predisposition and live your whole life without getting the disease. But if you don’t live well, your lifestyle will trigger it.”

He said diet is one of the biggest contributors, particularly foods high in salt and sugar. “A diet that is high in sodium affects your blood pressure. Most artificial spices, including monosodium glutamate, cause water retention, which increases pressure in the blood vessels.”

He also warned against diets that cause inflammation in the body. “Sugar, flour, and excess carbohydrates cause inflammation, and that inflammation can trigger hypertension,” he explained.

Dr Lartey added that sedentary lifestyles, constant stress, lack of proper rest, alcohol consumption, smoking and drug use all increase the risk, especially for people with a family history of these conditions.

He said that changes in lifestyle and access to food have also contributed to the rise in these diseases.

“Some foods that were eaten only during special occasions like Christmas and birthdays are now available every day. This is not rich eating. It is poor eating habits that we have picked up.”

Despite this, he said that eating healthy does not require foreign foods. “We are blessed in Africa with good vegetables and fruits. You don’t need broccoli. You have tomatoes, onions, oranges, and mangoes. Let’s maintain what we have.”

Dr Lartey warned that one of the biggest dangers of non-communicable diseases is that many people have no symptoms in the early stages.

"You check your blood pressure, take some laps, and then you're sure that you're good. At least you can go for the next six months, next one year, and then you can check up because by the time you're having a headache, a chest pain, it's probably too late."

“Just pass by a health facility, check your blood pressure, and do simple tests. It can save your life,” he added.