Expert reveals main cause of sudden deaths in Nigeria and beyond

A professor of haematology, Theresa Nwagha, has said that blood clots, also called Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), are the main cause of sudden deaths worldwide.

Ms Nwagha made this statement on Thursday in Enugu during the 252nd Inaugural Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The lecture was titled: “The Balance of Blood Fluidity: From Bleeding to Clotting in Health and Disease.”

She explained that VTE happens when blood clots form in the veins and block normal blood flow. She noted that about 10 million cases of blood clots happen globally each year, leading to about two million deaths.

The blood specialist pointed out that blood clots can affect both sick people and those who seem healthy, sometimes causing sudden death.

According to her, in 25 percent of cases, there are no symptoms for blood clots.

The professor of haematology and coagulation medicine listed risk factors for VTE, which include prolonged sitting, obesity, stress, and long journeys lasting over four hours.

She emphasized the importance of assessing the risk of thrombosis or blood clots to prevent sudden deaths, which are often referred to as “Fall and Die.”

Ms Nwagha explained that sitting for long periods, especially while using computers, can cause blood to pool in the lower legs, increasing the chances of clot formation.

She added that sometimes blood clots may be confused with muscle injuries, exercise-induced asthma, or regular fatigue.

The professor called for hospitals to carry out risk assessments and provide preventive treatment, known as thromboprophylaxis, to cut down on VTE cases.

She urged for VTE awareness and early detection to be included in primary health care.

Ms Nwagha mentioned that low public awareness, gaps in medical training, and the loss of healthcare professionals due to migration, commonly referred to as “Japa syndrome”, have impacted efforts to enhance VTE management.

She said these issues led to the creation of the UNTH Anticoagulation Steward Committee by the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH).

“We want to turn anticoagulation from a frightening clinical risk into a well-understood, essential life-saving medical practice,” she said.

The professor also stressed the need for teamwork among healthcare professionals to improve outcomes for women, especially during pregnancy and other reproductive health issues where blood clotting can be dangerous.

According to her, good collaboration among healthcare workers could lead to better results for women at risk.

“Women taking oral contraceptives, undergoing IVF, or using high doses of oestrogen, as well as athletes, are at risk of thrombosis,” she said.

Ms Nwagha also discussed how digital health and Artificial Intelligence can help improve VTE risk assessment and offer more accurate care.