Dr Olushola Osho, the Chief Consultant Cardiologist in a private hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos said on Tuesday that many Nigerians with cardiovascular problems were unaware of their condition.
Osho told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that cardiovascular diseases referred to ailments that affected the heart and blood vessels and by extension, the brain and kidneys.
“The reason why cardiovascular conditions also take prominence is that they are the most cryptic medical things that can hit people without their knowing.
“Some cardiovascular conditions, especially high blood pressure will be in people without any symptoms in the person; they won’t feel anything, just feel well.
“And the first time the person knows that anything is wrong is that they are probably dead or they’ve suffered a massive heart attack from which they may survive and subsequently do very badly.
“Or suddenly suffer a very big stroke from which they don’t recover or they recover badly or they suddenly find themselves in kidney failure.“
Osho noted that most Nigerians were in the habit of ignoring their health problems and allowing their condition to worsen thus becoming injurious.
“So it is sensible to know that some of these conditions, particularly the cardiovascular ones, will not tell you anything.
“They also present in a very similar way to any other medical condition like malaria, body aches and pains, headaches, which people dismiss very easily.
“Or quickly take one or two tablets and they may get a respite and think that is the end.
“So these are reasons why people must look out for themselves and check.“
Osho urged the public to go for regular medical check-up to be able to detect illnesses early enough.
He said that regular exercise and healthy dieting had the capacity to promote the health of the heart and blood vessels.
He said almonds, whole grains, fish rich in Omega-3 as well as fruits and vegetables contained dietary nutrients with the capacity to boost the wellbeing of the heart. (NAN)
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