Heart Health Is a National Priority
Heart disease is a growing and urgent health issue in Nigeria. Studies show that heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, and Nigeria is not exempt. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart attacks and stroke, already account for a substantial share of deaths in Nigeria. Many of these tragedies are preventable. At Bastion HMO, we view World Heart Day as an annual checkpoint: a time to raise awareness, help Nigerians understand their risks, and make practical, lasting changes that protect lives.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
“Cardiovascular disease” covers a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease (which can lead to heart attacks), stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease. Many CVDs develop slowly over years as a result of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and unhealthy diets.
Because CVD can be silent for a long time, people may feel fine until a severe event occurs. That’s why knowing your numbers, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is critical.
How Common Is Heart Disease in Nigeria?
Recent estimates show Nigeria experienced about 190,897 CVD deaths in 2021, and CVDs make up roughly 11% of all deaths in the country, making it a major public-health burden. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is extremely common: large surveys and screening campaigns report prevalence estimates ranging from about 22% up to 40% in adults, depending on the region and study and awareness, treatment and control remain low.
These numbers underline a simple fact: many Nigerians have undiagnosed or uncontrolled risk factors that quietly damage the heart and vessels over time.
Who Is at Risk? Key Risk Factors
Some risk factors you can’t change; many you can. The most important drivers of heart disease in Nigeria include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): the single biggest contributor to stroke and heart failure. (OUP Academic)
- High cholesterol : contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.
- Diabetes : raises cardiovascular risk substantially.
- Tobacco use and excessive alcohol.
- Obesity and physical inactivity: increasingly common in urban areas.
- Unhealthy diets: high salt, processed foods and low fruit/vegetable intake.
- Age and family history : risk rises with age; a family history of CVD increases your personal risk.
- Air pollution : an under-recognized contributor to cardiovascular events in Nigeria. (World Heart Federation)
Understanding these risk factors helps us focus prevention strategies that work in workplaces, communities and homes.
Warning Signs and When to Seek Care
Heart disease can present in different ways. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness (may radiate to the arm, jaw or back)
- Sudden breathlessness or difficulty breathing at rest
- Fainting, light-headedness, or sudden dizziness
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or slurred speech ; signs of stroke
- Sudden, unexplained swelling of the ankles, belly or sudden weight gain (possible heart failure)
- Palpitations or an irregular/very fast heartbeat
If you have risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history), get evaluated even when you feel well prevention beats emergency care every time.
Screening and Diagnosis — What to Expect
Routine screening lets clinicians find risks early and manage them before they cause irreversible damage. Common tests include:
- Blood pressure measurement: simple but lifesaving (check at least annually or more often if elevated).
- Lipid profile (cholesterol test): measures LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
- Blood glucose / HbA1c: to detect diabetes or prediabetes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): checks heart rhythm and signs of prior ischemia.
- Echocardiography or cardiac imaging: used when symptoms or test results suggest structural heart disease.
Our preventive packages include regular BP checks, annual health assessments and access to cardiology referrals when indicated ensuring timely diagnosis and continuity of care.
Prevention: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
Preventing heart disease doesn’t require heroic measures, but it does need consistency. These are evidence-based steps every Nigerian can start today:
- Know your numbers: Get your BP, cholesterol and blood sugar checked regularly.
- Eat more whole foods: Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains and reduce salt and processed foods.
- Move daily: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (walking, cycling, dancing).
- Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss reduces blood pressure and diabetes risk.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol.
- Manage stress: Sleep well, practice relaxation techniques and seek support when overwhelmed.
- Follow medical advice: If prescribed medications for BP, cholesterol or diabetes, take them reliably.
Prevention also requires system-level action: workplaces that offer screenings, public policies that reduce salt in foods, and cleaner air all of which we advocate for as part of our corporate health partnerships.
How Bastion HMO Supports Heart Health
Our goal is simple: make prevention affordable and treatment accessible. Here’s how we help Nigerians protect their hearts:
- Preventive screenings: Annual cardiac risk assessments (BP, glucose, lipid profile) included in many plans.
- Access to specialists: Fast referrals to accredited cardiologists and diagnostic centers across Nigeria.
- Telemedicine follow-up: Remote blood pressure reviews, medication counselling and lifestyle coaching.
- Corporate heart-health programs: Onsite screening drives, nutrition workshops and stress-management sessions for employees.
- Care navigation: We help members through the diagnostic pathway and coordinate care to reduce delays and unnecessary costs.
When members know their risk and get timely care, outcomes improve — and so do lives and livelihoods.
Conclusion: Act Today for a Healthier Tomorrow
Heart disease is common, but it is also preventable and manageable when we act early. On this World Heart Day, make one promise: know your numbers and keep them in check. Encourage your family and colleagues to do the same.
We are committed to partnering with Nigerians, employers, employees and families to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease through screening, education, and accessible care.
