Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as a growing epidemic in Nigeria, accounting for
an estimated 10% mortality rates annually according to the WHO Global Health Estimates and rising gradually as infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) expand. As of 2025, several modifiable risk factors, including rapid urbanization, socioeconomic shifts, and lifestyle factors, have played a critical role in exacerbating this burden, thereby straining an already overburdened healthcare system. This article highlights the current epidemiology, key drivers, and evidence-based prevention strategies for CVDs in Nigeria, and critically provides actionable recommendations to the Federal Government of Nigeria on prioritizing biomedical research to
prevent the onset and progression of these diseases.
Key Drivers of CVDs in Nigeria
The major drivers of cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria are mostly caused by socioeconomic and
environmental factors. Uncontrolled hypertension is a silent epidemic that accounts for over 50% of CVD cases and is linked to poor blood pressure control in both urban and rural settings.
Sedentary lifestyles, salt-rich diets, chronic stress, obesity, and low screening rates make
hypertension the strongest driver of stroke and heart failure in Nigeria. Other key contributors
include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and rising diabetes prevalence, with genetic and environmental factors also playing an essential role. The awareness of CVD is low, with only 25% of affected persons being aware of their status, thus allowing for untreated and undiagnosed progression.
Prevention Strategies
The prevention of CVDs offers the most cost-effective path towards averting this crisis by focusingmainly on societal-level and individual-level measures. The National Multisectoral Action Plan fo NCD Prevention and Control, developed in 2019, provides a critical blueprint for advocating for integrated screening in primary care and community education. Additionally, population-level preventative polices and public education campaigns that include promoting ideal cardiovascular
health metrics such as non-smoking, a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet low in sodium and rich in potassium, regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes weekly),
maintaining BMI under 25 kg/m², and controlling untreated blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg should be implemented to address root causes before risks manifest.
Recommendations for Federal Government: Next Steps in Biomedical Research
To combat the rise of CVDs in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health must prioritize biomedical research through targeted investments and policy reforms, which have proven effective in other African countries, such as South Africa. In this context, local studies have directly informed sodium-reduction policies that now prevent thousands of cardiovascular events and reduce national
healthcare costs. Major gaps exist, including insufficient local data on genetic and environmental interactions, as well as inadequate clinical trials infrastructure. Thus, establishing a National Cardiovascular Research Consortium through partnerships with national and international institutions to conduct longitudinal cohort studies focusing on genomic studies and precision medicine would be essential in addressing this gap. Additionally, implementing a national blood pressure and glucose screening program with close monitoring and evaluation to track progress
would be beneficial. Lastly, advanced workforce development, including the expansion of
residency programs and fellowships focused on the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular
disease, will accelerate Nigeria’s capacity to lead in cardiovascular innovation
