CARDIAC ARREST AT 38: TINUBU REVEALS SHOCKING HEALTH TREND AMONGST NIGERIAN YOUTHS
The Oasis Reporters
Saturday, November 4, 2017
When last did you check your blood pressure and sugar level?
Nigerians across all religious, political, tribal, economic and social divides united in commiserating with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former senator, former governor of Lagos state and a leader of the ruling All Peoples Congress, APC, from the south west of Nigeria when news reports revealed that the irrepressible and flamboyant politician of note had lost his first son, Kazeem Olajide Babajide (Oct.12, 1980-Oct.31st 2017).
The young and easily likeable young man just clocked 37, and 19 days after, he slumped and died suddenly.
Our Ibadan Correspondent spoke to the Chief Medical Officer of Alafia Hospital, one of the oldest Private hospitals at Mokola, Ibadan in South West Nigeria, Dr. Ochuko Umukoro :
Sir, what is Cardiac Arrest?
“Cardiac arrest is the sudden cessation of the beating of the heart usually due to disruption of the normal electrical rhythm of the heart pacemaker” .
Is it the same thing as Heart attack?
“Heart attack and Cardiac arrest are not exactly the same thing
A heart attack usually occurs as a result of cessation of blood flow to the heart leading to disruption in the normal functioning of the heart
So a heart attack could lead to a cardiac arrest”
“Causes of Cardiac arrest include
– coronary artery disease (heart attack) which could occur from embolism or hypercholestrolemia (high cholesterol in the blood)
-Cardiac Arrhythmias
-Cardiomyopathy
-Electrocution
-Automobile accident
-Drug overdose or illicit drugs
-Valvular heart disease
-Congenital heart disease
Risk factors for Cardiac arrest include
-smoking
-heavy alcohol intake
-sedentary life style
-high blood pressure
-diabetes
-obesity
-Age: the incidence of Cardiac arrest increases with age
-Male Sex: men are two to three times more likely to experience cardiac arrest than their female counterparts
-Nutritional imbalance e. g. Low potassium”.
Dr. Ochuko Umukoro also said that incidences of cardiac arrest are more in persons above 40 years of age, but could occur in younger persons, but this rare.
Like in Nwankwo Kanu’s case. It was detected early through a routine medical check and simple surgery to open up the blocked artery saved his life and he went on to have a glorious football career that brought him fame and wealth, with which he launched his foundation that was flying heart surgery needy Nigerians abroad for free Medicare.
Statement by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Passing on of Son Kazeem Olajide Babajide (Oct.12, 1980-Oct.31st 2017)
ABOUT JIDE
(Kazeem Olajide Babajide Tinubu, Born October 12th 1980)
We want to express our thanks and deep appreciation to all who have demonstrated their sympathy and expressed their condolences over the loss of our eldest son, Jide. I want to especially thank President Muhammadu Buhari, VP Yemi Osinbajo, the state Governors, distinguished Senators particularly Senate President Bukola Saraki, members of the House of Representatives, APC leaders and members and indeed all Nigerians. I thank the traditional rulers for their display of support.
My son was a highly intelligent person with a vibrant personality and a zest for life. He followed his own course and made his own way on his own terms. Those who knew him could not help but like him. Yet, he was taken away by cardiac arrest when it seemed he had so much life to still live. This is a reminder that we must live each day to its best as none of us know when our last day shall be. Mortality comes upon us all. We have no choice in that but we do have a choice whether we shall be good or bad, just or unjust. Let us all strive toward the best in ourselves.
Jide lived for so long in London and there he has left behind a darling wife and three precious boys. My wife Remi and I have gone to London to be with them at this painful time to support and help them. Please excuse our absence from Lagos for a while but it is essential that we are with them. Prayers are being offered and will continue to be offered for the repose of his soul. I have suffered a grave loss that no parent would like to bear. As a father, I must spend time putting my arms around the family he has left behind.
We must seek a lesson in every loss. Your reaction to my son’s passing has taught me that we can be a people of profound love and humanity when we want to be. People of every tribe, region, faith and every political affiliation have expressed their sympathy and extended to me the embrace of a brother or sister. Even those who don’t agree with me politically have shown strong support and care indistinguishable from that of my associates. This says so much about the innate goodness in all of us. For no matter what, we are not foes or enemies. We are all of one human stock, a single nation, one family.
I wish I could bring my son back but I cannot. However, what I can do is to be more caring and helpful to the living as I know this is what Jide would want to become of his passing. Let us all take a lesson from this and think a bit more about our fellow man, our neighbor, our fellow Nigeria. Let us live as we were meant to live with each other in greater peace, compassion and love. If only this can happen, I know my son will be happy.
Again, as we are away from Lagos, we thank you for the love you have shown and ask that you not only show it to us but to each other. Please continue to pray for him wherever you are.
Thank you and may God bless you all.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
November 3, 2017.
