Associate Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Ghana’s School of Public Health, Prof. Justice K. Aheto, has warned against the rising use of shisha, vapes, cannabis, and alcohol among students, describing them as major risk factors for heart disease.
Speaking on the Research and Innovation Agenda show on Radio Univers, Prof. Aheto also expressed concern over the growing consumption of energy drinks, which he said pose a serious threat to heart health.
”We realised that some of the key factors are behavioural—excessive drinking and smoking. We have also noticed a concerning trend, especially on campus, where a lot of students use shisha. It puts a lot of pressure on the heart, and within a short time, it can lead to heart failure.”
”Some of the energy drinks you consume are not good for your health. When you take them, they cause your heart to beat faster than normal. Once you trigger that process, you’re actually harming your heart,” he added.
Prof. Aheto further advised students to reduce junk food intake and regulate portion sizes and meal times to prevent heart-related conditions and excessive weight gain.
”It looks like most students are not adhering to healthy eating habits. Junk food, especially when eaten late at night, can lead to weight gain and put pressure on your cardiovascular system,” he said.
He urged students to adopt a balanced lifestyle and prioritise regular screening to detect issues early.
”The best solution is to go for screening. If there’s no issue, that’s fine. But if there is, and it’s detected early, it can be managed. If not, it can lead to heart failure—and eventually death.”
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Story by Juliet Etsyi | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
