The World Health Organisation (WHO) data show that heart disease is the leading cause of sufferers worldwide with 17.9 million deaths in 2015, a number that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030.
“Cardiovascular disease is very common. One in three Nigerian adults are hypertensive according to the WHO,” Clement Ogeleyinbo , a pathologist and managing director of CoA Health Check, said while addressing BusinessDay staff at an awareness campaign organised by the Nigeria Heart Foundation on Monday.
Ogeleyinbo said that employers can help employees reduce their risk of heart disease by implementing wellness initiatives that address health screenings, weight control, and stress reduction.
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease refers to a condition where blood vessels become blocked or narrowed preventing the heart, brain and other parts of the body from receiving enough blood. Over time the compromised blood vessels can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Workplace stress has been shown to be one of the many contributors to some incurable diseases and heart health has emerged as a key area of concern.
“If you look after your heart, your heart will look after you. Awareness like this will actually enhance the productivity of the organisation because once you have a healthy workforce, you will have a vibrant environment,” Ogeleyinbo said.
“There is no substitute to have a lively workforce whereby you do not have too many people up-sick. Your productivity, profitability will improve and will also enhance your image as an organisation, so we need to be aware and it is simply on what do eat, drink and how many hours we should sleep, exercises and maintaining good life style and going for regular check-up,” he advised.
Ogeleyinbo explained that high blood pressure (HBP) is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. He noted that identifying a gap in the awareness HBP and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a pressing concern given their high prevalence, especially Nigeria and developing countries.
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain, numbness or weakness in legs or arms. Many of these symptoms may also indicate the onset of a heart attack. It is important that individuals experiencing these symptoms seek the advice of a physician. If heart disease is detected early, it may prevent a future heart attack or stroke.
“Nigerians are not managing cardiovascular and endocrine problems properly,” he said. He blamed this on the fact that there are no central regulations, so there is a huge paucity of information in the country’s health sector.
Speaking on the campaign Abiola Awe, the Coordinator, National Heart Awareness Programme, said the Nigeria Heart Foundation (NHF) rolled out this heart disease awareness to organisations because it is a collective responsibility to help promote and advocate for the health of employees and to help them manage their health risks in the workplace.
“It is important to check and maintain one’s blood pressure and make lifestyle changes to promote a healthy heart. So as part of this wellness awareness, NHF is also encouraging employees, their families, and teams to become more physically active,” he said. The initiative provides tips to keep track of activity levels and includes ideas for employees to get their families and local communities involved, Awe explained.
Speaking on engaging in physical exercise Chizaram Fide- Nwaogu, Pharmacist with Ritleon Nigeria Limited, said amongst the top 10 killer diseases globally are two cardiovascular diseases Ischemic heart disease taking the top spot, followed by stroke in 2nd and Diabetes mellitus taking the 7the spot.
“A sedentary lifestyle where your job and leisure activities involve little physical activity increases the risk of coronary heart disease,” she said. According to her, strengthening the heart muscle makes the heart pump more blood, keeps the arteries and other blood vessels flexible to ensure good blood flow and normal blood pressure.
She said that regular exercises strengthen the heart muscles while lowering the blood pressure and cholesterol, but warned that eating trans-fat raises the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and increase the risk of heart diseases,. She recommended eating of fruits and vegetables every day, which lowers the risk of heart disease and strokes.
ANTHONIA OBOKOH
