The Alarming Trend We Can’t Ignore
In recent years, an unsettling trend has taken root in Nigeria’s health landscape: young, seemingly healthy people are dying from sudden heart attacks. Social media posts mourning vibrant 30-year-olds, fit 40-year-olds, and even teenagers passing in their sleep or collapsing at work have become all too common.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 17.9 million lives each year, with over 37% of these deaths occurring in people under the age of 70. In many developing countries, including Nigeria, this number is rising among young adults due to poor health awareness and late diagnosis.
At LECC, we believe that the best medicine is prevention, which starts with understanding the problem.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack (also called myocardial infarction) happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Without oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle begins to die. While this condition is common in older adults, we’re seeing a rise in cases among Nigerians in their 20s to 40s. And often, there are no early symptoms until it’s too late.
Why Are Young Nigerians at Risk?
Here are some key drivers of early heart disease among the youth:
- Uncontrolled Hypertension: High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” for a reason. Many young people have it but don’t know because it rarely shows symptoms until it causes organ damage, stroke or heart attack. “I thought hypertension was for old people,” a common phrase we hear from our emergency room patients.
- Undiagnosed Diabetes or Prediabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of heart attack by damaging blood vessels and nerves. With growing rates of pre-diabetes in Nigeria, young adults are silently carrying this burden.
- Smoking & Vaping: Cigarette and shisha smoking remain strong contributors to plaque buildup in arteries. Even occasional social smokingcan lead to long-term damage.
- Poor Diet & Sedentary Lifestyle: Fast food, processed meals, sugar-heavy drinks, they’re everywhere. Combined with long work hours, minimal exercise, and chronic stress, this creates the perfect storm for cardiac disease.
- Genetic Predisposition: If a parent or sibling had a heart condition early in life, your risk is significantly higher. Genetics can influence cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and heart rhythm disorders.
Signs You Should Never Ignore
While some heart attacks are sudden, many give warnings hours or even days before. Here are symptoms that should never be brushed off:
* Chest pain, pressure or tightness (especially during exertion)
* Shortness of breath
* Nausea, dizziness, or cold sweat
* Fatigue or weakness
* Pain in the jaw, neck, back or left arm
Don’t “power through it”, see a cardiologist immediately if you experience these symptoms, especially if you have risk factors.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
You don’t have to wait for a tragedy. Here’s how to take charge of your heart health:
* Check your blood pressure regularly, even if you feel fine
* Know your numbers I.e cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI
* Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes, 3–5 times a week
* Eat a heart-friendly diet, take less salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats
* Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake
* Manage stress through sleep, therapy, prayer or meditation
It’s Not Just About You
If you’re a parent, sibling, or friend, encourage the people around you to go for regular health checks. Share this blog. Talk about heart health in your group chats. Ask your gym buddies when last they had a full body check. Let’s normalize prevention.
Why Choose LECC for Your Heart Health?
At Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, we specialize in diagnosing, managing, and preventing heart-related illnesses. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want a full heart check, we offer:
* Expert consultations with cardiologists in Lagos
* Advanced diagnostic services (ECG, echocardiograms, stress tests)
* Tailored heart screening packages for young professionals
* Emergency care, stroke and cardiac rehabilitation services
Ready to Take Control?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule your heart screening or consultation with an expert cardiologist today.
📞 +234 817 365 1737 🌐 www.thelecc.com
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