Nigeria facing surge in heart diseases, researcher warns

A cardiovascular disease researcher, Aminat Dosunmu, has raised fresh concerns over the rising burden of cardiovascular illnesses in Nigeria, warning that the country is approaching a public health crisis without adequate national preparedness.

Cardiovascular disease is a broad term for a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

In a statement made available on Friday, Dosunmu said CVDs now account for an estimated 10 per cent of annual deaths, citing the World Health Organisation’s Global Health Estimates.

She said lifestyle transitions driven by rapid urbanisation, shifting socioeconomic patterns, and poor health-seeking behaviour are accelerating the rise in heart disease nationwide.

According to her, uncontrolled hypertension remains the strongest driver of cardiovascular illness in the country, responsible for more than half of all CVD cases.

She described hypertension, a major risk factor for CVD, as a “silent epidemic” affecting both rural and urban communities due to sedentary lifestyles, high salt intake, chronic stress, obesity and limited access to regular health checks.

Dosunmu noted that awareness levels remain alarmingly low, with only about 25 per cent of affected Nigerians aware of their condition.

“This leads to untreated and undiagnosed progression of heart disease, stroke and heart failure,” she said.

She emphasised that prevention remains the most cost-effective strategy and urged the Federal Government to fully implement the National Multisectoral Action Plan for NCD Prevention and Control, developed in 2019.

She also called for stronger public education campaigns promoting non-smoking habits, reduced sodium intake, adoption of the DASH diet, increased physical activity and healthy body weight.

To curb the rising burden, Dosunmu urged the government to prioritise biomedical research and strengthen clinical infrastructure.

She proposed the creation of a National Cardiovascular Research Consortium to coordinate long-term studies, support genomic research and advance precision medicine tailored to Nigeria’s population.

She further recommended a nationwide blood pressure and glucose screening programme backed by robust monitoring systems to track cardiovascular risk factors across all states.

Dosunmu added that capacity building must also be a priority, calling for increased government investment in advanced training, including more residency programmes and specialised fellowships in the molecular science of cardiovascular diseases.

“With targeted investments and strategic reforms, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in cardiovascular innovation in Africa,” she said.

Nigeria facing surge in heart diseases, researcher warns

Saheed Oyelakin

A cardiovascular disease researcher, Aminat Dosunmu, has raised fresh concerns over the rising burden of cardiovascular illnesses in Nigeria, warning that the country is approaching a public health crisis without adequate national preparedness.

Cardiovascular disease is a broad term for a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

In a statement made available on Friday, Dosunmu said CVDs now account for an estimated 10 per cent of annual deaths, citing the World Health Organisation’s Global Health Estimates.

She said lifestyle transitions driven by rapid urbanisation, shifting socioeconomic patterns, and poor health-seeking behaviour are accelerating the rise in heart disease nationwide.

According to her, uncontrolled hypertension remains the strongest driver of cardiovascular illness in the country, responsible for more than half of all CVD cases.

She described hypertension, a major risk factor for CVD, as a “silent epidemic” affecting both rural and urban communities due to sedentary lifestyles, high salt intake, chronic stress, obesity and limited access to regular health checks.

Dosunmu noted that awareness levels remain alarmingly low, with only about 25 per cent of affected Nigerians aware of their condition.

“This leads to untreated and undiagnosed progression of heart disease, stroke and heart failure,” she said.

She emphasised that prevention remains the most cost-effective strategy and urged the Federal Government to fully implement the National Multisectoral Action Plan for NCD Prevention and Control, developed in 2019.

She also called for stronger public education campaigns promoting non-smoking habits, reduced sodium intake, adoption of the DASH diet, increased physical activity and healthy body weight.

To curb the rising burden, Dosunmu urged the government to prioritise biomedical research and strengthen clinical infrastructure.

She proposed the creation of a National Cardiovascular Research Consortium to coordinate long-term studies, support genomic research and advance precision medicine tailored to Nigeria’s population.

She further recommended a nationwide blood pressure and glucose screening programme backed by robust monitoring systems to track cardiovascular risk factors across all states.

Dosunmu added that capacity building must also be a priority, calling for increased government investment in advanced training, including more residency programmes and specialised fellowships in the molecular science of cardiovascular diseases.

“With targeted investments and strategic reforms, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in cardiovascular innovation in Africa,” she said.