Nigeria TV Info

Cardiologists in Nigeria have warned that persistent weakness, fatigue, and severe difficulty in breathing may be early signs of heart failure. According to experts, the condition can develop suddenly or gradually, often unnoticed until it affects daily activities.

Prof. James Ogunmodede of the University of Ilorin highlighted symptoms such as tiredness, breathlessness, leg swelling, cough, and sudden nighttime breathing difficulty. He stressed that not all fatigue indicates heart failure and diagnosis typically requires evaluating symptoms together with tests like echocardiograms, ECGs, and chest X-rays.

Heart failure in Nigeria often affects people in their productive years due to poor risk detection, weak screening programs, and inadequate healthcare coverage. Ogunmodede emphasized that addressing hypertension through early detection and treatment is crucial in preventing the disease.

Prof. Chinyere Mbakwem of Lagos University Teaching Hospital added that fluctuating blood pressure can overwork the heart, leading to enlargement and stress, and urged individuals with such risks to seek medical evaluation promptly.