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WORLD HEART DAY: A Wake-Up Call for Nigerians to Protect Their Hearts

By Kamal Hammajo | September 30, 2025

Every year on September 29, the world marks World Heart Day, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), the leading cause of death worldwide. In Nigeria, where cases of heart disease and stroke are rising steadily, this year’s observance once again highlighted the need for people to pay closer attention to their heart health.

World Heart Day was established in 2000 by the World Heart Federation (WHF), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), to encourage individuals, communities, and Governments to take action against Cardiovascular Diseases. The 2025 theme, “Use Heart, Know Heart,” focuses on the importance of understanding how the heart works, recognizing risk factors, and making informed lifestyle choices.

WHY IT MATTERS FOR NIGERIANS

Cardiovascular Diseases remain a major public health concern in Nigeria. Experts consistently warn that factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and unmanaged stress are contributing to the growing number of heart-related illnesses in the country.

To mark this year’s World Heart Day, health institutions, professional bodies, and advocacy groups held activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention. In Abuja, the Federal Government unveiled Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for public use, while experts emphasized early detection, regular check-ups, and healthy living as key steps to reducing the burden of heart disease.

The Nigerian Heart Foundation and other organizations also continued their public education campaigns, encouraging Nigerians to know their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and to seek medical advice early.

WHAT THE DAY STANDS FOR:

World Heart Day is rooted in the belief that most heart diseases are preventable. The day’s global message urges people to adopt simple habits that protect the heart:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

• Engage in regular physical activity.

• Avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Reduce salt and sugar intake.

• Check blood pressure and other vital indicators regularly.

It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, and irregular heartbeat, and seeking medical care promptly.

A NATIONAL HEALTH PRIORITY

Nigeria’s health authorities continue to highlight the importance of prevention over treatment when it comes to Cardiovascular Diseases. Preventing heart disease is more cost-effective and sustainable than managing advanced conditions, and it begins with everyday choices made by individuals and families.

As the world observes another World Heart Day, the message to Nigerians is clear: knowing your heart and taking steps to protect it is vital to living a healthy life. Whether in cities or rural communities, awareness and early action are essential in reducing the impact of heart disease across the country.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR EVERY NIGERIAN

✓ Know your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

✓ Eat more fresh, local foods and reduce processed meals.

✓ Stay physically active.

✓ Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.

✓ Seek medical care if you notice chest pain, breathlessness, or fatigue.

World Heart Day serves as a yearly reminder that protecting your heart is a lifelong responsibility. By making small but consistent changes, Nigerians can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and improve their quality of life.

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