A Physician Assistant Alfred Aliah, has urged the public to make routine blood pressure checks a habit in order to prevent and effectively manage hypertension.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday, February 19, Aliah emphasized that regular monitoring is key to detecting high blood pressure early and preventing serious complications, particularly for individuals already diagnosed with the condition.
According to him, checking one’s blood pressure at a health facility comes at no cost and does not require complicated procedures.
“You don’t need to pay to check your blood pressure. You can simply walk into the nearest health facility and request to have it checked. There is no need to open a folder or join a long queue,” he explained.
Aliah noted that frequent checks enable individuals to know their blood pressure status and allow health professionals to offer appropriate interventions to prevent complications such as stroke, heart disease, and kidney problems.
He further explained how blood pressure readings are interpreted.
“When you check your blood pressure, you are given two figures written as a fraction. The top number represents the pressure when the heart contracts, while the lower number indicates the pressure when the heart relaxes.”
“Ideally, the upper figure should range between 100 and 130, though some medical references extend it to 140. The lower figure is expected to be between 60 and 90,” he said.
Aliah also advised people living with hypertension to strictly adhere to medical advice and take their prescribed medications consistently, stressing that the condition can be effectively controlled when properly managed.
“If you are diagnosed with hypertension and given medication, please comply and visit the hospital regularly. When your doctor determines that it is appropriate to discontinue or adjust your prescription, you will be advised accordingly,” he stated.
He concluded by encouraging the public to prioritize their health through routine screening, describing hypertension as a silent condition that can be managed successfully with early detection and proper care.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
