The wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has sounded a warning over what she described as a troubling rise in cardiovascular-related deaths, urging Nigerians to embrace healthier lifestyles and routine medical checks to curb the trend.
Speaking in Awka, Mrs Soludo attributed the growing number of heart-related fatalities to widespread neglect of regular health screenings, particularly heart examinations. She noted that conditions such as heart failure, cardiac arrest and stroke have become increasingly common, often striking without warning.
Mrs Soludo cautioned that cardiovascular diseases are especially dangerous because of how rapidly they progress in acute cases. “Deaths from cardiovascular diseases are often sudden and difficult to manage, especially when they reach critical stages,” she said.
She stressed that many of these conditions are preventable, pointing to lifestyle-related risk factors including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, obesity, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption. According to her, conscious and disciplined daily habits could significantly reduce exposure to these risks.
Reinforcing the importance of preventive care, Mrs Soludo encouraged Nigerians to prioritise regular exercise, healthy eating and frequent heart checks. She said adopting balanced diets with organic foods and maintaining an active lifestyle are just as vital as medical monitoring.
She also advised individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease to take extra precautions, warning that poor lifestyle choices could worsen underlying genetic risks.
Mrs Soludo added that her non-governmental organisation, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, is focused on promoting a culture of wellness that stays with people long term. She said the initiative aims to keep healthy living at the forefront of public consciousness, helping Nigerians avoid preventable diseases linked to poor diet and lifestyle habits.
