“HEART DISEASE CAN HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT: DON’T MISS A BEAT.”
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Ondo State Branch, has called on members of the public to take proactive steps to prevent cardiovascular diseases, recognise warning signs early and seek appropriate medical care without delay as the world commemorates World Heart Day 2026.
The 2026 campaign theme, “Heart disease can hide in plain sight: Don’t miss a beat,” highlights the importance of recognising the signs of cardiovascular disease, protecting heart health and taking collective action to reduce preventable illness and deaths.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sola Adewale, State Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ondo State Branch, urged residents to make cardiovascular health a priority and adopt practical measures to protect their hearts.
Dr. Adewale emphasised that cardiovascular diseases can affect people of different ages and backgrounds, while several important risk factors are preventable or manageable. These include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and excess body weight.
He urged members of the public to check their blood pressure regularly and ensure that hypertension is appropriately controlled, maintain a healthy body weight and optimal Body Mass Index (BMI), exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
He further advised residents to reduce excessive salt and unhealthy fat intake, stop smoking and avoid tobacco products, and reduce alcohol consumption as part of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health.
Dr. Adewale also cautioned against self-medication and the indiscriminate use of herbal remedies. He encouraged anyone who is unwell or experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms to visit a hospital or appropriate healthcare facility for proper medical assessment, diagnosis and treatment, rather than relying solely on unverified remedies or treating themselves without professional guidance.
KNOW THE EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS — ACT IMMEDIATELY
The Branch urges members of the public not to wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking help.
Call for emergency medical assistance or get the person to the nearest hospital immediately if there is:
- Sudden or severe chest pain, pressure, tightness or discomfort, especially if it spreads to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw.
- Severe difficulty breathing or sudden shortness of breath.
- Sudden collapse, fainting or loss of consciousness.
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body.
- Sudden difficulty speaking, understanding speech or seeing.
- Sudden severe dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
These symptoms may indicate a heart attack or stroke, both of which are medical emergencies. Do not wait for the symptoms to disappear, do not attempt to treat the condition at home, and do not rely on herbal remedies or self-medication. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Dr. Adewale stressed that every minute matters during a heart attack or stroke and that early medical intervention can save lives and reduce the risk of permanent disability.
According to Dr. Adewale, protecting cardiovascular health is a shared responsibility requiring sustained action by government, healthcare professionals, communities, schools, workplaces, civil society organisations and development partners. He noted that health education, prevention, early detection, emergency preparedness and access to quality healthcare are essential components of reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.
The NRCS Ondo State Branch remains committed to supporting community health education, first-aid awareness, health promotion, community mobilisation and partnerships that contribute to healthier and more resilient communities.
On this World Heart Day, the Branch calls on every resident to take practical action:
SEE THE SIGNS.
PROTECT YOUR HEART.
DEMAND ACTION.
Recognise the warning signs. Act immediately. Get professional medical help.
Heart disease can hide in plain sight. Don’t miss a beat.
Humanity Above All.
Dr. SOLA ADEWALE
Branch Chairman
Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ondo State Branch
