Expert Advises Athletes Against Heart Failure

A sports medicine expert, Dr Toyosi Owoeye, has advised athletes to guard against heart failure during the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos between November 27 to December 9.

Owoeye of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), recently renamed Mashood Abiola University of Lagos, gave the advice recently in Lagos.

He told newsmen that cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary artery diseases, were the common cause of death among athletes.

He said that most cases of heart attacks were triggered by some level of stress or physical activity that could cause sudden death.

The don noted that the incidence of sudden death was high globally, though in Nigeria, there was no empirical statistics available yet to quantify the magnitude of the problem.

He called on sports managers to always ensure comprehensive pre-competition medical assessment of athletes with special focus on Electrocardiography (ECG) , which he said, was essential in detecting heart problems.

Oweye also advised athletes to be responsible for their health by routinely seeking advice from medical experts.

He stressed that athletes who regularly engaged in sports should adopt disciplined lifestyles, including healthy eating and non-indulgence in alcohol and tobacco.

Owoeye also urged the National Sports Commission (NSC), State Sports Councils and sports organisations to partner with sports medicine inclined clinics, on pre-sport participation health assessment.

Some athletes had died while participating in competitions, including Sam Okwaraji, who died 23 years ago.