Major-General Life Ajemba, a military cardiologist, has raised concerns about the risks of hypertension and heart disease among Nigeria's military personnel and veterans. He attributes these risks to factors such as prolonged stress, inadequate sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. According to Mr Ajemba, hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular conditions affecting serving personnel and retirees.
Mr Ajemba cited studies that showed hypertension accounted for 15.31 per cent of cases treated among mainly military retirees between 2015 and 2020. Another study found a hypertension prevalence of 34.3 per cent among military personnel. He identified major risk factors, including alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, family history of cardiovascular disease, and being overweight.
The demanding nature of military service also increases cardiovascular risks due to physical stress, psychological trauma, irregular schedules, and inadequate sleep. Mr Ajemba explained that military duties affect heart health through extreme physical stress, psychological trauma, and environmental exposures that increase cardiovascular disease risk.
Prolonged stress increases the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Sleep deprivation, anxiety, and other psychological pressures further increase the risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Mr Ajemba stressed the importance of regular medical screening among military personnel to ensure early detection of silent conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar. Routine medical checks include blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, blood tests, lipid profiles, electrocardiograms (ECGs), chest X-rays, and echocardiography where necessary.
Early detection enables soldiers to receive treatment while remaining fit for duty, preventing medical evacuation and safeguarding their long-term health. Mr Ajemba also encouraged military personnel to maintain regular physical exercise, which helps reduce blood pressure, improve heart efficiency, and increase resistance to operational fatigue.
Mr Ajemba advised personnel to combine physical fitness with healthy eating, adequate rest, and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, military personnel can reduce cardiovascular risks and remain fit both during active service and after retirement.
Key points
- Major-General Life Ajemba warns that hypertension and prolonged stress increase cardiovascular disease risk among Nigeria's military personnel and veterans.
- Regular medical screening and healthy lifestyle choices can help mitigate these risks.
- The demanding nature of military service increases cardiovascular risks due to physical stress, psychological trauma, and environmental exposures.
