A military cardiologist, Major General Life Ajemba, has emphasized the need for military personnel and veterans to prioritize their heart health. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Ajemba advised personnel to undergo regular medical checks, engage in physical exercise, maintain healthy diets, and get adequate rest. This advice comes as studies have shown that hypertension is a common cardiovascular condition among serving personnel and military retirees.
According to Ajemba, hypertension accounted for 15.31 percent of cases treated among mainly military retirees between 2015 and 2020. Another study found a hypertension prevalence of 34.3 percent among military personnel. The major risk factors for hypertension include alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, family history of cardiovascular disease, and being overweight. These statistics highlight the need for military personnel to take proactive steps to protect their heart health.
The demanding nature of military service can increase cardiovascular risks due to physical stress, psychological trauma, irregular schedules, and inadequate sleep. Ajemba explained that military duties affect heart health through a combination of extreme physical stress, psychological trauma, and environmental exposures that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Prolonged stress can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, further exacerbating the risk of heart disease.
Sleep deprivation, anxiety, and other psychological pressures can also increase the risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Ajemba stressed the importance of regular medical screening among military personnel, saying early detection can help identify silent conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated blood sugar. Routine medical checks can include blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, blood tests, and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Ajemba encouraged military personnel to maintain regular physical exercise, saying fitness helps reduce blood pressure, improve heart efficiency, and increase resistance to operational fatigue. He also advised personnel to combine physical fitness with healthy eating, adequate rest, and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. By taking these steps, military personnel can reduce their cardiovascular risks and remain fit both during active service and after retirement.
The military cardiologist emphasized that early detection of cardiovascular conditions ensures that soldiers receive treatment while remaining fit for duty, preventing medical evacuation and safeguarding their long-term health. Regular medical checks and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the risks associated with military service. By prioritizing heart health, military personnel can maintain their overall well-being and effectiveness in their duties.
Ajemba's advice is particularly relevant given the high prevalence of hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions among military personnel. By taking proactive steps to protect their heart health, military personnel can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and maintain their fitness for duty. This, in turn, can help ensure the effectiveness and safety of military operations.
Key points
- Military personnel are at risk of cardiovascular disease due to physical stress, psychological trauma, and environmental exposures.
- Hypertension is a common cardiovascular condition among serving personnel and military retirees.
- Regular medical checks and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the risks associated with military service.
