Cardiovascular diseases leading cause of premature deaths globally, says expert
Cardiologist Akinsanya Olusegun-Joseph warns that non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular issues, are the leading cause of premature death globally. He advocates for routine blood pressure screenings and better patient safety protocols to mitigate these risks.
Why it matters
Addressing non-communicable diseases is critical for global public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the burden is highest.
Mr Olusegun-Joseph urged healthcare workers to routinely check patients’ blood pressure.
A cardiologist, Akinsanya Olusegun-Joseph, says non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases, are among the leading causes of premature deaths globally.
Mr Olusegun-Joseph spoke at the 2026 World Patient Safety Day organised by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), with the theme “Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases.”
He said NCDs accounted for more than 75 per cent of deaths globally, emphasising the need for sustained attention to patient safety and healthcare delivery.
Mr Olusegun-Joseph, senior lecturer, Department of Medicine, University of Lagos, and consultant cardiologist, LUTH, said the event would focus attention on patient safety and accelerate actions to achieve it.
He said NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, respiratory diseases and mental health challenges, were driven by genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors requiring continuous care.
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