As the World marks the 2022 World Thrombosis Day, experts in the medical field has cautioned Nigerians against excessive consumption of alcohol, drug abuse, smoking and sitting in one position for hours.
The experts made this known on Thursday in Calabar during an event to celebrate the day, annually marked on Oct. 13 to raise awareness on the health condition.
Thrombosis is the formation of blood clot known as Thrombus which stays in blood vessels.
Dr Kingsley Akaba, Chief Consultant Haematologist at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), said that the death rate associated with thrombosis was of high prevalence.
Akaba said that thrombosis was a silent killer and one of the commonest cause of sudden death.
According to him, blockage of the blood flow can cause sudden death through heart attack, stroke amongst others.
He explained that the clot can block veins and arteries, adding that the symptoms can include pain, numbness, swelling in one leg and chest pain and if ignored, may lead to heatstroke.
Akaba said that the theme of the event “keep life flowing”, was carefully chosen to encourage the flow of blood in the human body.
“We have to initiate the theme with a view of creating the awareness and advocacy for people to understand the importance of this day.
“Most times, we physicians forget about thrombosis while managing our patients; we forget to consider it.
“There have been under recognition of thrombosis in the management of patients and this is a big menace to the society.
“I want to advise members of the public to engage in regular exercise of the body, shun excessive consumption of alcohol, reduce fatty foods, smoking and avoid sitting in one position for hours,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Ogbonna Nwabuko, a Chief Consultant Haematologist at UCTH, called on Nigerians to shun drug abuse and smoking.
Nwabuko, encouraged regular exercise with a view to making the body flexible.
The Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who was represented by Dr Eyong Smart, said that the blood clot can cause stroke and hormonal problems to the human body.
Ikpeme said that the day seeks to create the needed awareness on thrombosis by drawing the attention of the public on the need to care for the body at all times.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance, medical practitioners, serving military officers who are trained doctors, members of the public, laboratory scientist, amongst others.
