The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has raised serious concerns over the increasing rate of cardiovascular-related deaths in Nigeria.
Mrs Soludo, founder of a non-governmental health advocacy initiative, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, called for more conscious, deliberate, and disciplined medical and lifestyle practices among citizens, stressing that preventive healthcare must be given greater priority.
According to her, the growing neglect of routine medical and heart health checks by many individuals has significantly contributed to the rise in cardiovascular diseases across the country.
She identified heart failure, cardiac arrest, and stroke as some of the most common and deadly cardiovascular conditions affecting the population.
Mrs Soludo cited World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, which indicate that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally.
She noted that CVDs account for over 17.9 million deaths worldwide each year.
In Nigeria, she observed, deaths resulting from cardiovascular-related illnesses are reportedly increasing at an alarming rate, largely due to poor health-seeking behaviour, inadequate medical check-ups, negligence, ignorance and other critical factors.
Speaking further on the dangers associated with cardiovascular diseases, Mrs Soludo emphasised that deaths from such conditions often occur suddenly and are difficult to manage, especially when the diseases reach their acute stages.
She stressed the importance of early detection and prompt medical intervention in reducing fatalities.
She explained that many cardiovascular diseases are preventable through the reduction of habitual risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, obesity, physical inactivity and the harmful consumption of alcohol.
Re-emphasising the vital role of healthy living in combating cardiovascular deaths, the First Lady stated that regular physical exercise, balanced nutrition and the consumption of healthy and organic foods are just as essential as frequent heart and general health assessments.
She also urged individuals with a family history of cardiovascular diseases to be especially mindful of their health choices, advising them to adopt lifestyles that do not aggravate hereditary risks.
Mrs Soludo further disclosed that one of the core objectives of her non-governmental organisation, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, is to promote a sustainable philosophy of well-being that remains ingrained in the public consciousness.
According to her, this initiative is aimed at helping individuals avoid preventable diseases, including those arising from cardiovascular complications and poor dietary habits.
