By Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo
Heart disease and heart failure remain among the serious health challenges that can affect the lives, wellbeing and productivity of individuals, families and communities.
Although many people do not pay sufficient attention to the condition of their hearts, the heart performs one of the most important functions in the human body by continuously pumping blood and oxygen to every part of the body.
The heart works every moment of the day and night. When it becomes damaged, weakened or unable to function properly, the consequences can affect almost every part of the body.
For this reason, members of the public are strongly advised to take their heart health seriously and avoid ignoring symptoms that may indicate an underlying health problem.
Heart disease is a broad term used to describe different conditions affecting the heart and the blood vessels. These conditions may affect the heart’s ability to pump blood, maintain a regular rhythm or receive and distribute sufficient blood throughout the body.
Heart failure is one of the serious conditions that can develop when the heart becomes too weak or damaged to pump blood effectively enough to meet the body’s needs. It does not necessarily mean that the heart has completely stopped working.
Rather, it means that the heart is no longer working as effectively as it should. One of the greatest dangers associated with heart disease is that it may develop gradually and silently.
A person may live with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol for years without obvious symptoms, while these conditions continue to place pressure on the heart and blood vessels.
High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for heart disease and heart failure. When blood pressure remains high for a long period, the heart is forced to work harder than normal.
Over time, this additional pressure can contribute to weakening of the heart and damage to the blood vessels. Blocked or narrowed blood vessels can also reduce the supply of blood to the heart.
This may contribute to serious heart problems, including heart attacks and long-term damage to the heart muscle. Diabetes is another important risk factor that requires serious attention.
When blood sugar remains poorly controlled, it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol can also contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits in blood vessels.
These deposits may narrow the arteries and interfere with the normal flow of blood, increasing the risk of serious heart complications. Smoking and tobacco use can also seriously damage the heart and blood vessels.
People who smoke are encouraged to seek appropriate professional support to stop, while non-smokers should avoid starting the habit. Unhealthy eating habits can also increase the risk of heart disease.
Excessive consumption of salt, unhealthy fats and highly processed foods may contribute to high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels and other conditions that can affect the heart.
Physical inactivity is another risk factor.
Regular physical activity appropriate to a person’s health condition can support general cardiovascular health. However, people with existing health problems should seek professional advice regarding appropriate forms and levels of physical activity.
The public should be especially cautious about unusual tiredness that continues for a long period. While tiredness can have many causes, persistent and unexplained weakness may require medical assessment, particularly when it occurs together with other symptoms.
Shortness of breath is another warning sign that should not be ignored. Difficulty breathing during activities that were previously easy, or difficulty breathing while lying down, may require professional medical evaluation.
Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen may also occur when the body retains excess fluid. Although swelling can have different causes, persistent or unexplained swelling should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Some individuals may experience dizziness, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, persistent coughing or difficulty sleeping because of breathing problems.These symptoms should not automatically be dismissed as ordinary tiredness or the result of ageing.
Chest pain, pressure or discomfort is also a serious warning sign.
When chest discomfort is severe, persistent or associated with difficulty breathing, weakness, sweating or dizziness, urgent medical attention should be sought.
The public must understand that early action is extremely important. A person should not wait until symptoms become severe before seeking professional medical advice.
At the same time, people should avoid diagnosing themselves based solely on information obtained from social media, friends or unverified sources.
Symptoms can have different causes, and proper assessment should be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals.
People should also avoid stopping prescribed medication without medical advice. Similarly, no individual should begin a new treatment or rely on unverified remedies for a serious heart condition without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
Regular health checks can help identify important risk factors before they cause serious complications. Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol can provide valuable information about a person’s health.
Individuals living with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol should take these conditions seriously and follow appropriate medical advice.
Proper management can help reduce the risk of complications, Families have an important role to play in public health awareness.
Relatives should encourage loved ones with persistent or worrying symptoms to seek medical attention rather than allowing the condition to continue without assessment.
The public should also exercise caution regarding unverified herbal products and substances promoted as instant cures for heart disease.
Some products may be unsafe or may interfere with prescribed medicines.
A heart-conscious lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet, reducing excessive salt intake, avoiding tobacco, engaging in appropriate physical activity and maintaining regular medical checks.
People should also pay attention to their general wellbeing, including adequate rest and the management of unhealthy stress. A healthy lifestyle can support overall health and help reduce certain preventable risk factors.
It is important to recognise that heart disease is not exclusively a problem of old age. Younger people can also experience heart-related conditions, particularly when they have certain risk factors or inherited conditions.
The most effective approach is prevention and early detection. Waiting until a person becomes seriously ill can make treatment more difficult and increase the risk of complications.
People who have already been diagnosed with heart failure should follow the treatment plan provided by their healthcare professionals and attend recommended medical appointments.
Any worsening of symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional. Severe breathing difficulties, fainting, severe chest pain or a person becoming unresponsive require urgent emergency medical assistance.
The public should therefore develop a culture of caution, awareness and early action. Ignoring warning signs, delaying medical attention and relying solely on self-medication can expose individuals to unnecessary danger.
The message to the public is clear: do not ignore persistent symptoms, do not neglect regular health checks and do not wait until a condition becomes severe before seeking professional medical help.
Protecting the heart is a responsibility that begins with personal awareness. Families, communities, health workers, media organisations and public authorities all have important roles to play in spreading accurate information and encouraging healthier living.
A healthy heart is essential to the proper functioning of the entire body. By controlling preventable risk factors, adopting healthier habits, undergoing appropriate health checks and seeking professional advice early, people can take important steps towards protecting their lives.
The public is therefore urged to be cautious, pay attention to changes in their health and seek qualified medical advice whenever they experience persistent or worrying symptoms.
Early detection and timely action can save lives.
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