In a recent discourse on heart health, Dr. Isaac Okyere, a respected Senior Lecturer at the Department of Surgery within the School of Medicine and Dentistry at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), underscored the perilous implications of early relationships among tertiary students as he attributed heartbreaks to increasing the risk of heart diseases
According to Dr. Okyere, the heart, often regarded as the seat of emotions, is susceptible to weakening under stress, consequently heightening the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular ailments.
Speaking on a monthly podcast hosted by the E-Learning Centre of KNUST, Dr. Okyere highlighted the theme “Heart Health; The Heart of Man and Total Wellbeing.” He cautioned students about the emotional toll that early relationships can exact, leading to heartbreaks and subsequent psychological strain, which in turn adversely affect academic performance.
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding one’s emotional well-being, Dr. Okyere urged students to exercise caution in their romantic endeavors, especially during their tenure on campus.
He warned against the detrimental effects of relationship stress, particularly in the context of the demanding transitions awaiting them post-graduation, such as professional pursuits and marriage.
Of particular concern to Dr. Okyere was the phenomenon known as “September rush,” wherein existing students entice incoming female freshmen into relationships—a practice he deemed unwise and potentially harmful.
Additionally, he noted reports of students cohabitating as couples on campus, cautioning against the emotional and physiological strains such arrangements may entail.
Citing research from the National Library of Medicine, Dr. Okyere underscored the alarming prevalence of hypertension among Ghanaian students in secondary education, with nearly 20% identified as hypertensive and over 26% as prehypertensive.
These findings signal a looming public health crisis if proactive measures are not adopted to mitigate the associated risks. Dr. Okyere advocated for proactive lifestyle management, including dietary regulation, regular monitoring of vital signs such as glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure, as well as the prudent limitation of alcohol intake and tobacco use among young adults.
