Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant public health issue everywhere worldwide, and Nigeria’s not any different. Although it’s usually perceived as being a matter only for elderly individuals or specific populations, CVD nowadays also frequently affects Nigerian men of all ages, with seriously debilitating consequences. As a pharmaceutical copywriter, it’s necessary to highlight the principal risk factors and stress the importance of active prevention and control.
It is revealed through research that Nigerian men have a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases compared to women and that the most prevalent CVD is hypertension (Akindele O. M, et al. 2009). There are other common diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. The economic burden of these diseases is enormous, especially in light of the relative youth of many Nigerians when so afflicted.
Multiple modifiable risk factors underlie the rising CVD burden in Nigerian men:
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): This is the primary cause of Nigerian heart disease and is extremely prevalent among men, with prevalence rates in some studies as high as almost 50%. Hypertension, if not controlled damages blood vessels and the heart, leading to serious complications.
Obesity and Poor Diet: Excessive dietary consumption of saturated fats, salt, and sugar with physical inactivity leads to excessive weight, increased cholesterol, and increased blood pressure. Very high prevalence of poor diets (74.8%) and physical inactivity (62.2%) exists in Nigeria, as evidence shows. (Awosoga O.A,. et al. 2024)
Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes prevalence is on the rise in Nigeria and greatly increases heart disease risk by injuring blood vessels and nerves.
Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking poses a large risk for heart attack and stroke, and too much alcohol may lead to high blood pressure and other heart diseases. (Adam F. et. al.2023)
Stress: Stress is bad for the health of the heart in the long run and can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Prevention of CVD among Nigerian men requires an active and comprehensive approach:
Early Detection and Regular Screening: Periodic checkups like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checkups play a crucial role in the early detection of risk factors.
Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit processed foods, added salt in excess and unhealthy fats. Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week) is also crucial (Adam F. et. al.2023).
Weight Control: A healthy body mass index (BMI) actually reduces the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol.
Tobacco Cessation and Light Drinking: Quitting smoking and alcohol reduction are two of the most important things a man can do for his heart health.
Dealing with Stress: Incorporating stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or hobbies may have a general well-being and heart health benefit.
Medication Compliance: In persons with known conditions like hypertension and diabetes, there are strict medication compliance measures required, in order to manage these diseases and prevent the advancement of CVD. Drug therapy, including various types of drug classes, plays a pivotal function in managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, hence reducing CVD risk (Oluwadiya K.S et. al 2023).
Conclusively, Health education of Nigerian men on CVD and healthy living practices, as well as cheap healthcare and drug support, is also essential to curbing this growing public burden.
References: Akindele O. M, Uba M.; (2009) Incidence and Patterns of Cardiovascular Disease in North Western Nigeria – African Journals Online (AJOL). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ajol.info/index.php/nmj/article/view/54436/42955
Awosoga OA, Oyewole OO, Adegoke OM, Odole AC, Onyeso OK, Alumona CJ, Adeoye AM, Aweto HA, Ige BS, Adebayo AC, Odunaiya TL, Emmanuel GM, Sulaimon NB, Odunaiya NA. Cardiovascular disease risk perception among community-dwelling adults in southwest Nigeria: A mixed-method study. PLoS One. 2024 Nov 12;19(11):e0313578. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313578. PMID: 39531473; PMCID: PMC11556699.
Adam F. Payal K. (2023) Heart disease: Types, causes, and treatments – Medical News Today. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237191
Oluwadiya KS, Raimi TH, Dada SA, Dele-Ojo BF, Adeoti AO, Solomon OO, Amu E, Awoleke JO, Atiba SA, Babatola AO, Dada MU, Ariyo OE, Omotayo AJ, Adelekan AO, Ezeani ES, Ogundipe L, Akinwunmi AF, Aina FO, Agboola SM. Uncovering the Burden of Diabetes in Ekiti State, Nigeria: Insights From a Statewide, Household-Based, Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. 2023 Dec 17;15(12):e50686. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50686. PMID: 38229802; PMCID: PMC10791138.
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