Nigerians have been warned to always go for regular blood pressure checks to ascertain their heart health and prevent all forms of cardiovascular complications.
A consultant Cardiologist with the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Dr. Edogu Julius, made the call during an interview with our correspondent.
He noted that about forty-five percent of Nigerians are living with heart diseases unknowingly, and it is responsible for ten percent of deaths recorded in 2023.
Dr. Julius, who described cardiovascular disease as the malfunction of the heart and blood vessels, said it could be diagnosed as stroke, heart failure, or abnormal heartbeat.
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Dr. Julius listed the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as family history and living a sedentary life.
“Hypertension is the biggest driver, diabetes mellitus, excessive alcohol, and smoking; these are the modifiable risk factors. The non-modifiable risk factors are those factors that are there and you can’t change them, for instance, once a male crosses forty-five, he is at risk, for females, fifty-five years.
Dr. Julius noted the early symptoms of cardiovascular diseases to include leg swelling. He advised that food rich in vegetables and fruits should be taken regularly to enhance a healthier heart and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
“The diet we should take moderately should consist of fish, chicken without skin, also known as lean meat, leafy vegetables like pumpkin leaf, cucumber, and garden egg are also essential.
Salt should be taken moderately”, he concluded.
The state coordinator Nigerian Heart Society called on both government agencies and non-governmental organisations to intensify the campaign against cardiovascular diseases.
