Iorfa Tor-Ayiin, a consultant family physician at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, has advised Nigerians to undertake regular medical check-ups to prevent Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Mr Tor-Ayiin gave the advice in an interview with journalists at the closing session of the 9th Annual Abuja Cardiovascular Symposium (ACS) in Abuja.
The symposium, themed “Hypertension, Diabetes and Heart Disease: Domesticating Global Solutions to Nigeria’s Deadly Trio,” was organised by Cardiocare Multi-Specialty Hospital, a subsidiary of Limi Hospital, Abuja.
The two-day event attracted medical professionals across various health disciplines.
Mr Tor-Ayiin said the symposium focused on hypertension, diabetes and heart disease because they have become the leading causes of death among non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
“Previously, people mainly died from infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and gastroenteritis.
“Today, lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension are responsible for most deaths. These are conditions people do not contract from others but develop due to lifestyle choices and ageing”.
He explained that the rising burden of NCDs made continuous training for health workers essential.
“These diseases are not new, but their prevalence is increasing. This symposium is meant to refresh the knowledge of health workers on how best to manage diabetes, hypertension and heart failure,” he said.
According to him, participants included doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and other healthcare professionals.
Mr Tor-Ayiin stressed that the symposium was also aimed at educating Nigerians on early warning signs and preventive measures.
“These diseases affect the heart and blood vessels, which are present throughout the body. That is why they affect virtually every organ,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and to follow medical advice.
The consultant physician also cautioned against unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles.
“What we eat directly affects our health. Nigerians should reduce intake of sugary drinks, alcohol, smoking and avoid prolonged physical inactivity,” he advised.
Also speaking, Nwobodo Chukwuka, nursing manager at Cardiocare Multi-Specialty Hospital, urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their health.
“Nurses are usually the first point of contact for patients. When individuals take care of themselves, it helps both the patient and the healthcare system,” he said.
Mr Chukwuka warned that excessive stress could worsen NCDs, adding that early detection and lifestyle modification were key to disease management.
He advised Nigerians to consume more natural foods and reduce intake of highly refined foods, noting that unhealthy diets contribute to obesity and related diseases.
“If these diseases are detected early, they can be managed effectively, and patients can live normal lives,” he said.
Solomon Olusola, administrative manager of Cardiocare Multi-Specialty Hospital, said the ninth edition of the symposium reflected the hospital’s commitment to health education, particularly in internal medicine.
He encouraged Nigerians experiencing cardiovascular-related symptoms to seek care at the hospital, noting the availability of specialised medical personnel.
“We offer multiple cardiovascular specialties under one roof, including neurology, gastroenterology and cardiothoracic surgery,” he said.
Mr Olusola said the hospital conducts advanced procedures ranging from coronary angiography to coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
“Our system ensures prompt attention to patients, from emergency care to surgical intervention, when necessary,” he added.
(NAN)
