The Nigerian Cardiac Society, NCS, has raised alarm over the alarming increase in cardiovascular diseases in the country.
The Society blamed the unfortunate development on unhealthy lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity, tobacco smoking, harmful use of alcohol, consumption of unhealthy diets that are rich in salt and saturated fats, among others.
In a statement issued on Sunday to mark this year’s World Heart Day, the body of cardiologists identified hypertension as the most important cardiovascular disease risk factor and “the commonest cause of heart failure which has worse outcomes than most cancers.”
The statement signed by Dr. Okechukwu S. Ogah FNCS, and Prof. Augustine Odili FNCS, President and General Secretary respectively disclosed that one out of every three adult Nigerians have hypertension.
They also pointed out that though cardiovascular disease does not discriminate against gender, race or economic status, developing economies like Nigeria carry a disproportionately high burden of the disease compared to high-income countries.
The group further noted that one out of every five adult Nigerian aged between 30 and 70 years would probably die from stroke, heart attack, and other non-communicable diseases like cancers.
They therefore called on Nigerians to choose to live healthy.
“To maintain good health, one must be mindful of the decisions we make in our daily living.
Making the right choices does not only keep you healthy today but also prevent premature deaths from stroke and heart disease. Simple actions like quitting smoking, exercise regularly and eating right go a long way to prevent and maintain good heart health,” they said.
Below is the full text of the statement titled ‘Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) 2019 World Heart Day Celebration: HEART HEROES:’
“Cardiovascular diseases and their complications are currently on the rise at an alarming rate in Nigeria. This is largely due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Although there are many risk factors for heart disease, the most common and by far the important ones are related to lifestyle.
“Unhealthy lifestyles choices include physical inactivity, tobacco smoking, harmful use of alcohol, consumption of unhealthy diets that are rich in salt and saturated fats, and low in fresh fruits and vegetables. These behavioural risk factors may eventually lead to other cardiovascular risks such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidaemia (high blood lipids), overweight and obesity. In Nigeria, hypertension has been identified as the most important cardiovascular disease risk factor, and the commonest cause of heart failure which has worse outcomes than most cancers. One out of every three adult Nigerians have hypertension.
“Although cardiovascular disease does not respect gender, race or socio-economic strata, developing economies like Nigeria bear a disproportionately high burden of the disease compared to high-income countries. Eight out of every ten cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the world occur in low- and middle-income countries. This is partly due to the grossly inadequate healthcare financing and the severely limited facilities for diagnosis and treatment. Stroke and heart attack are the main causes of cardiovascular disease-related deaths; accounting for 85% of these deaths.
Sadly, the number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths is projected to increase to over 23 million by the year 2030.
“The Nigerian Cardiac Society, an affiliate member of the World Heart Federation has noted with great concern that the frequency of heart disease in Nigeria is not only high but rising.
With a population of over 180 million, one out of every five adult Nigerian aged between 30 and 70 years will probably die from stroke, heart attack, and other non-communicable diseases like cancers. Sadly, the hitherto almost non-existent cases of heart attacks are now seen more often in our hospitals, and the occurrence of sudden cardiac deaths is fast becoming commonplace in Nigeria.
“To maintain good health, one must be mindful of the decisions we make in our daily living.
Making the right choices does not only keep you healthy today but also prevent premature deaths from stroke and heart disease. Indeed, it is possible to overturn the projected increase in the burden of heart disease and stroke. This will take the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Simple actions like quitting smoking, exercise regularly and eating right go a long way to prevent and maintain good heart health. It is also prudent to do regular medical check-up including blood pressure check, even when there is no apparent ill-health.
“In the last two decades, the World Heart Federation (WHF) has led the global campaign against cardiovascular diseases. The “World Heart Day” celebrated on September 29th of every year is set aside to raise public awareness on how to fight cardiovascular diseases. The theme of the 2019 World heart Day celebration is “Heart Heroes”.
“This year, the Nigerian Cardiac Society joins the rest of the global heart community to celebrate Heart Heroes…everyday people from all walks of life who have committed to heart-healthy lifestyles for themselves and those in their circle of influence. One is never too young or too old to act. The time to act is now…make your promise and keep it. A promise:
To our families to cook and eat more healthily
To our children to exercise more and help them to be more active
To say no to smoking tobacco and use of recreational drugs and help our loved ones to stop.
“As a healthcare professional to help patients give up smoking and other heart-unhealthy lifestyles.
As a policymaker to support policies that promote healthy hearts and better healthcare financing.
As an employee to invest in heart-healthy work environment.
“Together, we will reduce the burden of heart disease when we make and keep our promises…for MY HEART, for YOUR HEART, for ALL OUR HEARTS!”
