by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
An observation has been made that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use and insufficient physical activity are some of the risk factors for heart disease and other Non-Communicable Diseases.
Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, who made the observation, said the risk factors for heart diseases are well known and largely preventable.
Speaking, while briefing journalists in Abuja to commemorate 2023 World Heart Day, with theme, ‘Use Heart, Know Heart,’ the minister asserted that, the ministry is currently in the field conducting National Step Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases, and several pockets of studies indicated that, between 2000 and 2015.
According to him, Nigeria reports various incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension at prevalence greater than 30% stroke incidence at 25.9 per 100,000 persons per year.
He noted that “Heart disease prevalence at 0.7% rheumatic heart disease is a disease of the socio-economically disadvantaged, at 27 per 1000 children.”
In response to the burden of cardiovascular diseases, the minister said government over the years instituted several strategic interventions at the Tertiary, Secondary and Primary Health Care levels and has also developed the National Non-Communicable Diseases Policy and Multi-sectoral Action Plan as well as the National Guidelines for the prevention and management of hypertension, diabetes and sickle-cell disease has also been developed and is being implemented at all levels of care with emphasis of awareness creation, education and healthy lifestyle, among others.
The minister further explained that, the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and Regulations 2019 are also being implemented to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to what he termed as “second-hand smoke” in Nigeria.
In recognition of the key role of Primary Health Care in the prevention and early detection of diseases, he said, “The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office and Resolve To Save Lives (RTSL) launched the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI) in August.”
The minister, while advising Nigerians and other citizens to engage themselves in physical activities for a minimum of 30 minutes daily and avoid tobacco use and harmful intake of alcohol, also called on them to always eat healthy diet containing a minimum of 3-5 servings of a variety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables spread over each day.
“In addition, eat a variety of whole grains, lean meat, fish, peas, beans and lentils. Limit processed foods, limit salt intake to less than 5 grams (1 teaspoon) daily, reduce dietary, cholesterol and avoid industrially-produced trans-fats. Know your numbers by regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels,” he further advised.