Nigeria: Physicians Urge Nigerians Aged 40 and Above To Prioritise Regular Health Checks To Prevent Sudden Death

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Medical experts are urging Nigerians aged 40 and above to prioritize regular health checkups to reduce the risk of sudden death from silent, but serious health conditions.

The physicians speaking to the media at different times warned that neglecting routine medical examinations due to a lack of symptoms could prove dangerous, as conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers often develop without noticeable early signs.

Dr. Chidumeje Okafor, a Family Health Physician at the Anambra State Ministry of Health, stressed that regular checkups allow physicians to monitor key health indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can help prevent complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and sudden death.

“High blood pressure or elevated cholesterol may not cause immediate discomfort, but if left unchecked, they can lead to severe health issues,” said Okafor. He added that routine examinations provide an opportunity for individuals to discuss their overall health with doctors and receive advice on personalized lifestyles, such as maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) also called on the government to boost funding for healthcare to promote early and regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors.

The NCS President, Prof. Augustine Odili, emphasized the need for institutionalizing effective cardiovascular care by equipping hospitals with adequate facilities. He advocated for increased public awareness of lifestyle changes that can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and sudden death.

In support of this, Dr. Adesanya Olusegun-Joseph, a Consultant Cardiologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, highlighted hypertension as one of the leading causes of sudden deaths in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians, especially men, to regularly check their blood pressure, maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and avoid sedentary lifestyles and excessive alcohol consumption to safeguard their cardiovascular health.

“Regular blood pressure checks can save lives,” said Olusegun-Joseph. “Those with high blood pressure should focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle to manage their condition. While exercise is important, individuals must also ensure their hearts are fit for rigorous activities to prevent sudden death.”

The doctors agree that regular screenings for conditions like prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and heart disease can dramatically increase survival rates when detected early, significantly reducing the risk of sudden health crises. By committing to these preventive measures, Nigerians can take proactive steps to protect their health and well-being.

The experts emphasized that regular health assessments are vital for the early detection of potentially life-threatening conditions, enabling timely interventions that can significantly improve health outcomes.