Medical doctors have identified excessive alcohol intake and illicit drug abuse among young people as common causes of heart failure. Dr. GoodLife Onwunda, a consultant physician cardiologist at the Rivers State University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, stated that recent studies show heart disease is one of the leading causes of sudden death globally.
He explained that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a spike in blood pressure, resulting in hypertension and heart disease among individuals aged 25 to 35, often leading to unexpected fatalities. Dr. Onwunda noted that a drug commonly consumed, referred to as Npuru nmiri (mitavitamin), along with cocaine, can also contribute to heart disease.
Additionally, Dr. Onwunda emphasized that certain foods can predispose individuals to diabetes. He cautioned that consuming foods high in carbohydrates may lead to obesity, which is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. He also highlighted that an unbalanced lifestyle can contribute to heart failure and urged individuals to prioritize rest, despite the challenging economic conditions in Nigeria.
In related remarks, Stella Cookey, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, urged the government to focus more on heart diseases to reduce the alarming rates of fatalities in society. She pointed out that while attention is given to non-communicable diseases, the World Health Organization emphasizes the need for prevention and immunization against infectious diseases. She stressed the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases, particularly heart disease, which is a leading cause of death.
