Hypertension, stress raise heart disease risk among military personnel – Doctor

Maj.-Gen. Life Ajemba, a military cardiologist, has emphasized the importance of prioritising heart health among military personnel and veterans. In an interview with NAN, he highlighted hypertension as the most prevalent cardiovascular condition among serving personnel and retirees, accounting for 15.31 percent of cases between 2015 and 2020. Another study revealed a hypertension prevalence of 34.3 percent among active military members.

Ajemba identified several risk factors for heart disease, including alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, family history of cardiovascular disease, and being overweight. The demanding nature of military service, such as physical stress, psychological trauma, irregular schedules, and inadequate sleep, can also contribute to cardiovascular risks. Prolonged stress can lead to increased release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, elevating heart rate and blood pressure.

Ajemba stressed the significance of regular medical screenings for military personnel, suggesting that early detection of silent conditions like high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar could help manage these issues while maintaining fitness for duty. Routine checks might involve blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, blood tests, lipid profiles, electrocardiograms (ECG), chest X-rays, and echocardiography when necessary.