Heart Society warns youths over sedentary lifestyle

The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has raised concerns over the increasing exposure of young Nigerians to cardiovascular diseases, citing sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets and declining physical activity as contributing factors.

The President of NCS, Prof. Rasaaq Adebayo, raised the concern on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Heart Day celebration, themed “Don’t Miss a Beat,” organised in collaboration with the World Heart Federation.

Adebayo said cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, could remain undetected for long periods, making regular health checks and early prevention essential, even for people who appear healthy.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles by exercising regularly, eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing their intake of salty, sugary and fatty foods, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

According to him, regular physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep and avoiding harmful substances are essential to preventing cardiovascular diseases.

The NCS president also advised people with a family history of hypertension, diabetes or heart disease to pay closer attention to their health and undergo appropriate medical checks.

He stressed that preventing cardiovascular diseases should not be left to government and health professionals alone, noting that individuals also had a responsibility to protect their heart health.

Adebayo called for sustained public education and early detection to reduce the impact of cardiovascular diseases among Nigerians.

The Secretary-General of NCS, Prof. Ejieroghene Umuerri, attributed declining physical activity among young people partly to lifestyle changes associated with modernisation.

Umuerri said activities that once encouraged movement, including walking and outdoor recreation, were increasingly being replaced by cars, motorcycles, mobile phones, video games and other sedentary forms of entertainment.

She warned that increased screen time and reduced physical activity could expose young people to health risks if not addressed early.

“We raise children and provide them with these gadgets, so we must regulate how they use them. Parents must make efforts to instil a healthy rotation of activities for children to avoid excessive sedentary behaviour,” she said.

Umuerri also expressed concern about unhealthy eating habits among young people, urging families to encourage greater consumption of fruits and vegetables.

She identified adequate sleep as another important component of cardiovascular health, noting that many young people spend long hours watching television or using electronic devices.

She urged families, schools and communities to encourage young people to stay physically active, make healthier food choices and develop habits that promote long-term heart health.

World Heart Day is observed annually on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and promote heart health and prevention.