A PROFESSOR of Pathology, University of Ilorin, Adekunle Okesina has canvassed speedy legislations against cigarette smoking among Nigerians noting that the development if left unchecked could lead to high rate of atherosclerosis patients in the country.

Okesina, defined atherosclerosis as hardening of the arteries, the disease, he said could be dormant in individuals until when it has almost become impossible for any meaningful medical intervention to be carried out in such patients.

Speaking in Ilorin during the 110th inaugural lecture of the University, he said the effect of the increase in the level of atherosclerosis in Nigeria had become common as over 80 percent of bodies submitted for autopsy suffered one degree or other of the disease.

Speaking on the topic, "Chemical Pathologist: the Final Judge in Health Diseases", he noted, "Smoking is one of the important risk factors of atherosclerosis. This is one habit that has no medical benefit attached to it. However, there are many diseases associated with this practice.

For the Don, recent research has shown that there are more male smokers in Nigeria than female, the development he linked with increased insulin requirements, leading to hampering of subcutaneous blood flow and reduction in absorption of insulin.

Other diseases associated with smoking include: stroke, Coronary Heart Disease, Aortic Aneurysm, Vascular Disease, chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease, cancers in such places as oral, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, breast, lung, kidney and bladder.

While recommending yearly medical checkup for persons above the age of 34, Okesina said such tests should spread to such organs as heart, liver and kidneys. Besides, he said, there must be thorough and precise examinations of the blood pressure, blood lipids level, and blood glucose.

In order to prevent atherosclerosis apart from quitting smoking, he recommended the consumption of balanced meals especially those low in fats and cholesterol, eating of antioxidants like fruits and green vegetables and regular exercise especially for those with weight problems.