By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
A consultant cardiologist working at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Owerri, Dr. Nwako Okechukwu, has outlined practical measures for reducing the growing burden of heart failure in Nigeria, stressing that prevention, early diagnosis and proper management remain the most effective strategies.
Dr. Nwako made the submission while delivering a lecture titled, “Heart Failure: A Final Pathway of Heart Disease: Recognition, Economic Burden and Management” during the Annual General Meeting (AGM I) and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Imo State Branch, held on Saturday, August 1, at the Imo NMA Secretariat, off Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.
He explained that heart failure is often the end result of untreated heart disease and called on medical practitioners to strengthen efforts at early detection and prompt intervention to reduce avoidable deaths.
According to Nwako, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the College of Medicine, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), heart failure places enormous clinical, social and economic burdens on patients, families and the healthcare system.
“Heart failure is the last pathway of heart disease if left untreated. Heart failure is here with us and the burden of heart failure is much. We have economic burden, clinical and other burdens of heart failure,” he said.
The cardiologist identified hypertensive heart disease as the leading cause of heart failure in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, while also listing coronary artery disease, diabetes, arrhythmia, stress and hereditary factors as major contributors.
He expressed concern over worsening socioeconomic conditions, noting that increasing rates of drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, especially among young people, have heightened the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Nwako identified swollen legs, persistent fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain as some of the common symptoms of heart failure, urging members of the public to seek prompt medical attention whenever such symptoms occur.
As part of the solutions to ending heart failure, he advocated sustained public health education, healthy lifestyles, regular physical exercise, smoking cessation, moderation in alcohol consumption, reduced salt intake, effective control of hypertension and diabetes, and seeking treatment only from qualified medical professionals.
He also called on governments at all levels to strengthen regulation of medical practice in order to eliminate quackery and improve the quality of healthcare delivery, describing unqualified practitioners as a serious threat to public health.
Dr. Nwako further urged medical doctors to remain committed to professionalism by delivering quality healthcare with integrity, compassion and adherence to ethical standards.
In recognition of his impactful, insightful and incisive presentation on heart failure, Dr. Nwako was presented with an Award of Appreciation by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Imo State Branch.
Presenting the Award, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Imo State Branch, Dr. Echeta Bartholomew commended Dr. Nwako for his invaluable contribution to advancing medical knowledge and enhancing the capacity of medical practitioners through the scientific lecture, and encouraged him not to relent in his efforts.
Echeta, alongside the State Secretary, Dr. Ibekwe Nnaemeka Uzodimma, emphasized the importance of the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in promoting continuous professional development and improving healthcare delivery.
He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the scientific sessions to enhance their knowledge and professional competence.
A major highlight of the well-attended AGM was the presentation of the 2024–2026 Executive Committee Secretariat Report by the State Secretary, Dr. Ibekwe Nnaemeka Uzodimma, which drew commendation from members.
