As the world marks the 2024 World Heart Day, alarming statistics have emerged on the global impact of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Augustine Odili, President of the Nigerian Cardiac Society and a renowned expert in heart diseases, revealed that over 20.5 million people succumb to heart-related ailments annually, with a staggering 75% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
In a press release issued Sunday, Professor Odili underscored the significance of this year’s World Heart Day theme, ‘#UseHeartforAction#’.
This global initiative, set by the World Heart Federation in collaboration with the World Health Organization, aims to combat the escalating threat of heart disease and promote cardiovascular health worldwide.
“The Nigerian Cardiac Society, as an affiliate of the World Heart Federation, is therefore joining the WHF to mark this day on September 29, 2024,” Odili stated.
He emphasized that the society’s campaign will continue until 2026, focusing on empowering individuals and urging leaders to prioritize cardiovascular health.
The expert painted a grim picture of the current situation, noting, “There is an astronomical increase in the prevalence of heart disease and its risk factors coupled with the exponential rise in associated mortality and morbidity in developing countries is a major cause for concern.”
However, Odili offered a glimmer of hope, revealing that “80 per cent of premature deaths from Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) can be prevented by way of small lifestyle adjustments.”
He advocated for simple yet effective measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activities like brisk walking or cycling, and managing stress effectively.
The professor underscored the economic implications of heart diseases, stating that a comprehensive cardiovascular health plan could significantly reduce healthcare costs and productivity losses, potentially saving hundreds of billions of dollars annually worldwide.
Delving into the specifics, Odili explained that CVDs encompass a range of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, strokes, and rheumatic heart disease. He attributed the rising prevalence of these conditions in developing nations like Nigeria to rapid urbanization, increased air pollution, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
“A disproportionately alarming rate of almost eight out of every 10 deaths occurring due to cardiovascular diseases in low-income countries is, therefore, a call for serious concern,” Odili warned.
He further projected that CVD-related deaths could surge to over 23 million by 2030 if current trends continue.
The expert identified key risk factors for heart disease, including lack of physical exercise, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and diets high in salt and saturated fats but low in fresh fruits and vegetables. These behaviors, he noted, often lead to other cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes.
Particularly concerning for Nigeria, Odili revealed that hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for heart disease and stroke in the country.
“Sadly, three out of every ten adult Nigerians have high blood pressure, many of whom are unaware of their hypertensive status,” he stated.
The professor stressed the critical importance of effective blood pressure control in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Odili lamented the low rate of blood pressure control in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries, with only about 7% of hypertensive individuals achieving effective management.
He emphasized the need for individuals to make mindful daily lifestyle choices to maintain good health and prevent premature deaths from stroke and heart disease.
The expert called for a strategic plan to address the myriad risk factors and prevent their progression in the population. He urged high-level decision-makers, professional bodies, patients, and the public to unite in the fight against cardiovascular diseases, stating, “There is also the need for a strategic plan to tackle the myriads of risk factors in preventing their evolution in the population.”
