Nigerian Cardiac Society sounds alarm over sudden deaths during football matches
The Nigerian Cardiac Society has expressed concerns about the cardiovascular health of Nigerians following several reported cases of sudden deaths among citizens both at home and abroad directly or indirectly linked with the surge of emotions associated with the Nigeria-South Africa match in the ongoing TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire.
The society said this in a statement while reacting to the unfortunate incidents that came in the aftermath of the match between the two football powerhouses in Africa.
The body highlighted the need to call the attention of Nigerians to the very possibility that sudden death can occur either in the presence/absence of risk factors many of which are highly prevalent among Nigerians and are also poorly controlled.
The statement explained that “cardiovascular risk factors are without symptoms and signs. Therefore, screening is the only effective mechanism for early identification and appropriate control and prevention of sudden death among the populace.
“The untimely deaths of these Nigerians are a stark reminder that we must be vigilant about our cardiovascular health. Sports and other emotional events can trigger arrhythmias, heart attacks, and strokes in those with underlying heart conditions.
“We urge all Nigerians to learn the warning signs of cardiac distress and how to respond in an emergency. Know your family history and risk factors and get regular screenings. Take steps to manage conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Avoid smoking, eat healthy, exercise, and manage stress.
“For those with heart disease, take medications as prescribed and follow your doctor’s advice. Avoid getting overly excited during games and take breaks as needed. Have emergency numbers handy and do not hesitate to call for help. Better to miss a play than miss a life. Warning symptoms preceding a sudden death may include Chest pain, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting attacks. It should be noted that left-sided chest pain should not be taken with levity and should warrant a medical examination.
“With preventive care and caution, we can still cheer on our teams while safeguarding our health. We call on all Nigerians to look out for one another and promote heart-healthy lifestyles. Together we can honor those we have lost by preventing similar tragedies in the future. “
The body appealed to the Nigerian government to channel more funds into the health sector to help tackle the cardiovascular health of the citizens.
“The Nigerian Cardiac Society calls on the government to increase the funding for health to encourage early and regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors. There is also an urgent need for institutionalizing effective cardiovascular care among Nigerians by providing adequate facilities for the hospitals, encouraging adequate remuneration for health workers to discourage brain drain in the health sector, and promoting effective lifestyle modification to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease among the population.
“The President of the NCS, Prof. Augustine Odili therefore calls for calm and collective activity of all Nigerians to stem the tide of the rising cardiovascular disease scare among Nigerians with effective surveillance and population oriented preventive strategies.”
