By Rita Okonkwo
The increasing reports of young and middle-aged Nigerians collapsing and dying suddenly have raised concerns among health experts, who say undiagnosed medical conditions, unhealthy lifestyles, stress and delayed medical care may be contributing to the trend popularly described as “slump and die.”
According to the experts, conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol can develop without obvious symptoms, leaving many people unaware of their health status until serious complications occur.
They identified changing dietary habits, including increased consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks and high fat meals, alongside physical inactivity and self medication, as factors that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Economic hardship, long working hours, unemployment and insecurity can expose people to prolonged stress, which may contribute to elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks. The experts noted that poor health seeking habits mean many people do not routinely check their blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol levels.
Former Chief Medical Director(CMD) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, Dr. Joe Akabuike, FWACS, has consistently advocated preventive healthcare as an important strategy for reducing avoidable deaths.
He advised Nigerians to eat balanced diets, exercise regularly, get adequate rest and monitor their vital signs, stressing that knowing one’s health status early can make a significant difference.
Dr. Akabuike urged families to seek immediate medical attention when someone collapses rather than assuming death has occurred or rushing to arrange a burial. Where the cause of death is unclear, he recommended appropriate medical assessment and, where necessary, an autopsy to establish the actual cause.
Also speaking, a cardiologist at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, United Kingdom, and founder of Save a Heart Foundation, Dr. Onyekwelu Chibuike Nzewi, linked some sudden deaths to cardiovascular conditions and unhealthy dietary patterns.
He cautioned against excessive consumption of foods high in unhealthy fats, noting that prolonged buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries can restrict blood flow to the heart and increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications.
The experts recommended regular screening for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, as well as appropriate cardiovascular assessment, particularly for adults from around age 30 or earlier where risk factors are present.
They encouraged people to eat more fruits, vegetables and locally available nutritious foods, while reducing excessive salt, unhealthy fats and highly processed foods. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep and effective stress management were highlighted as important components of preventive health.
The experts urged anyone experiencing warning signs such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting or an abnormal heartbeat to seek urgent medical attention rather than relying on self medication or home remedies.
They stressed that not every sudden collapse is caused by the same condition and that only proper medical evaluation can establish the actual cause. However, routine screening, healthier lifestyles and timely access to medical care can help identify many health risks early and reduce preventable deaths.
They, therefore, called for sustained health education in schools, workplaces and communities to encourage Nigerians, especially young adults, to take preventive healthcare seriously.
Rita Okonkwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
