Expert links rising heart attacks to poor nutrition, lifestyle choices
Dr. Ibrahim Hyelakumi, Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Director of Nisa Premier Hospital Jabi, Abuja, has raised concern over rising cases of heart attacks in Nigeria, blaming poor diets, sedentary living, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. “We have adopted Western lifestyles that put us at greater risk. Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is […]
Dr. Ibrahim Hyelakumi, Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Director of Nisa Premier Hospital Jabi, Abuja, has raised concern over rising cases of heart attacks in Nigeria, blaming poor diets, sedentary living, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
“We have adopted Western lifestyles that put us at greater risk. Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often due to cholesterol buildup and poor nutrition,” he said.
Hyelakumi spoke as Nisa Premier Hospital unveiled plans to make Nigeria a hub for advanced healthcare, with robotic surgery as its centerpiece.
He stressed the need for government funding, strong leadership, and opportunities for diaspora experts to return home.
Nisa, he revealed, is developing a surgical residency programme and partnerships with international surgeons through its IMSA training arm.
Dr. Folahan Ayoola, a surgeon at Nisa, noted that laparoscopic procedures had already transformed care by reducing pain and recovery time, but insisted the future lies in robotic surgery.
Nisa’s Medical Director, Dr. Nonso Ogbuefi, tied the hospital’s vision to reversing costly medical tourism. “Nigerians spend heavily abroad on flights, accommodation, and treatment. We are bringing such an advanced care home,” he said. The hospital has already conducted bariatric and kidney transplant surgeries in Abuja with international collaboration.