Cardiac Society Raises Alarm Over Soaring Cases of Hypertension in Nigeria
Cardiac Society Raises Alarm Over Soaring Cases of Hypertension in Nigeria
The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has warned of a growing crisis of cardiovascular diseases in the country. The group revealed that four out of every ten Nigerians are living with hypertension, the leading cause of heart-related illnesses.
President of the Society, Prof. Augustine Odili, disclosed this in Abuja while speaking ahead of the 54th annual general meeting of the NCS and the 17th biennial conference of the Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR). He said hypertension is fueling cases of heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease across the nation.
Odili blamed the surge on unhealthy lifestyles, including poor diets, lack of exercise, and rising obesity. “The burden of cardiovascular disease is alarming, and as a society, we are deeply worried,” he said.
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To tackle sudden deaths linked to heart conditions, the NCS announced plans to introduce free Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training in Abuja. The Society urged residents to take part in the exercise, noting that basic knowledge of CPR can save lives during emergencies.
A consultant cardiologist, Prof. Amam Mbakwem, raised another concern the shortage of specialists in the country. She warned that the ongoing brain drain in the health sector has worsened the situation, leaving few cardiologists to attend to the growing number of patients.
Also speaking, President of PASCAR, Prof. Elijah Ogola, said the organization is working to strengthen cardiovascular health across Africa. He explained that their strategy includes continuous medical education for healthcare workers and public enlightenment on prevention.
Experts stressed that without urgent action, Nigeria could face an epidemic of heart-related illnesses. They called on government, stakeholders, and the public to embrace preventive care and lifestyle changes to reduce the burden.
Content Credit: Moyosola Oni
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