Cardiac arrest prevention expert Prof. Ekpe warns smokers and diabetics to protect chest health, avoid triggers, and seek timely medical care

Cardiac arrest prevention has once again taken center stage as Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgery specialist at the University of Uyo, issued a stern warning to Nigerians.

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He cautioned cigarette smokers and people living with diabetes to take better care of their chest health or risk falling victim to sudden cardiac arrest.

Delivering the University of Uyo’s 117th Inaugural Lecture, themed “My Chest! My Chest!! My Chest!!!: Relieving Chest Pain, Preventing Death and Restoring Health,” Prof. Ekpe explained that conditions like smoking and diabetes often trigger abnormal heartbeats known as arrhythmias, which are responsible for cardiac arrest.

The professor lamented that many Nigerians die because they ignore chest pain, delay medical attention, or underestimate the risks.

He emphasized that early reporting of symptoms could give doctors the chance to investigate properly, conduct necessary tests, and provide evidence-based treatment to save lives.

“People should guard their heart diligently,” he said. “Cigarette smoking must be avoided, high blood pressure controlled, diabetes managed, and cholesterol levels monitored. A culture of regular physical exercise must also be intentionally adopted.”

Highlighting broader lifestyle risks, Prof. Ekpe stressed the need to avoid stress, obesity, alcohol abuse, and unregulated road use.

He advised Nigerians to practice safe driving, wear seatbelts, and avoid congested traffic with motorcycles or tricycles.

Most importantly, he urged that all chest pain victims should seek care only from qualified medical doctors, warning that misdiagnosis and poor treatment could worsen conditions or even cost lives.