In the wake of several sudden deaths reported during a recent football match between Nigeria and South Africa, medical experts in the country are cautioning hypertensive individuals against participating in activities that may induce excitement or put excessive pressure on the heart.
Speaking on the matter, Dr Salau Ibrahim, a consultant cardiologist at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, highlighted potential causes for the sudden collapses, suggesting strokes, sudden heart attacks, or stress-induced heart problems as likely factors.
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that age, coupled with existing health issues such as heart problems or kidney complications, necessitates careful consideration of activities that may stress vital organs.
“The major causes of such sudden deaths are stroke or heart attack. Regular checkups and lifestyle modification are crucial. If you have any background comorbidity like hypertension or diabetes, ensure you take your medications regularly,” Dr. Salau told Leadership newspaper.
Another expert, Dr Ramon Moronkola from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), linked the deaths to possible strokes resulting from cardiac arrest and heart or brain issues.
Dr Moronkola explained that emotional surges, such as those experienced during intense football matches, could lead to a sudden increase in adrenaline and blood pressure, posing a significant risk to individuals with underlying cardiovascular diseases.
In addition to individuals with pre-existing conditions, those with genetic predispositions may also be at risk of abnormal heartbeats triggered by emotional surges, potentially leading to fatal outcomes, cautioned Dr. Moronkola.