Nigerian musician Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, Anchor HMO and Power Oil have urged Nigerians to prioritise preventive heart care and adopt healthier lifestyles.

They made the call on Thursday in Lagos during the 10th edition of the Power Oil Walk-Heart On event, organised as part of activities promoting cardiovascular health.

The Assistant General Manager of Anchor HMO, Dr Sandra Nnamani, said heart health should be treated as a daily responsibility rather than something to consider only during fitness events or when symptoms emerge.

Nnamani said Nigerians could protect their cardiovascular health by exercising regularly, eating balanced diets and monitoring important health indicators.

She identified high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, obesity and excessive alcohol consumption as major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

She encouraged Nigerians to engage in activities such as brisk walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, jogging and using stairs, while reducing prolonged periods of sitting.

Nnamani advised adults to aim for between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises on at least two days weekly.

She also advised Nigerians to eat more vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds, while limiting excessive salt, added sugars and unhealthy fats.

The medical expert urged people to regularly check their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and waist circumference, noting that some cardiovascular risk factors could exist without obvious symptoms.

She particularly advised people diagnosed with hypertension to take prescribed medication consistently and not discontinue treatment simply because their blood pressure had improved.

Nnamani further urged Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention when they experience symptoms that could indicate a heart attack, including chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, unusual weakness or discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw.

Okoye urged Nigerians to embrace daily walks and other forms of physical activity as part of efforts to maintain a healthy heart.

The Marketing Manager, Oil and Fats Portfolio, Tolaram Group, Mr Roland Akpe, said the 10-kilometre walk was designed to encourage Nigerians to prioritise heart health through regular exercise and healthier lifestyle choices.

The event also featured health screening for thousands of participants in Lagos, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, to encourage early detection of cardiovascular risk factors.