Don urges early diagnosis, policy reforms to combat heart diseases

 

A professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Adeseye Akintunde, on Tuesday, advocated early diagnosis and comprehensive national policy reforms to address the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases across sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Akintunde made this call while delivering the 64th inaugural lecture of LAUTECH, held at the university premises in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

 

In his lecture titled “The Heart and Its Venomous Whispers of Disorders,” Akintunde explained that cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death globally, demanding interprofessional collaboration for better public health outcomes.

 

He warned of the increasing toll of heart-related ailments in sub-Saharan Africa, blaming urbanisation, obesity and sedentary lifestyles for surges in hypertension, stroke and heart failure cases.

He called for more awareness, lifestyle changes and the mantra “know your numbers to prevent cardiovascular diseases in rapidly developing African societies.

 

“I want to urge Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight toward preventing cardiovascular emergencies and promoting healthier living.

 

“Grace, grit, and gratitude define my journey. When the heart beats with purpose, greatness is achievable,” he added.