One of five Nigerians at risk of cardiovascular death

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has said that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of deaths by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Nigerians.

Adewole, who spoke at the First Annual Black Tie Gala, organised by the Tristate Heart Foundation (THF), to raise N500m in support of cardiovascular care in the country, said that such diseases lead to loss of productivity, and were devastating for many families, which are often led into penury.

Adewole, who said, “Unless we take drastic and sustained actions, we will keep counting losses,” enumerated risk factors for cardiovascular diseases to include use of tobacco products, unhealthy diet, harmful alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and air pollution.

“Unhealthy diets contribute significantly to the development of NCDs in Nigeria. Sadly, there is widespread low consumption of proteins, fruits and vegetables and increasing patronage of fast food outfits by the population.

“There is also large promotion of sweetened products such as carbonated drinks, pastries, candies and other refined sugars, while excessive intake of salt is promoted by food additives such as monosodium glutamate common in delicacies such as suya, kilisi, isi-ewu, ngwo-ngwo, among others.