Blood Clotting: What to know about Mr Ibu’s Ailment before he died

Nollywood icon, Mr. Ibu, whose real name was John Okarfor, has passed away at the age of 62. Reports from close sources confirm that the veteran comedian died at Evercare Hospital, sparking an outpouring of condolences on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with fans fondly recalling his roles in various movies.

Emeka Rollas, the President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, announced the sad news on his Facebook page, expressing sorrow for the loss. He mentioned that Mr. Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest, as reported by his manager of 24 years, Mr. Don Single Nwuzor, while also noting the earlier passing of Kate Henshaw’s mother.

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Details regarding the circumstances of his death are still awaited, and neither Mr. Ibu’s family nor their representatives have made any public statements yet.

The actor had been grappling with health challenges since October 2023, undergoing several surgeries, including the amputation of his leg. However, updates from his family in November had suggested signs of recovery.

Alleged poison

In 2019, Mr Ibu claimed that his relatives bribed some of his household staff to poison him due to his flourishing career. 

Then, in May 2022, the comedic star once again asserted that he was poisoned, marking the third occurrence. 

He recounted, “My ailment was orchestrated by individuals who harbor animosity towards me. They executed their scheme, leading to my hospitalization.” 

Mr Ibu praised the doctors for their discernment, stating, “They diagnosed my condition accurately and assured me of treatment.” He pleaded with them, “Please, do whatever it takes to save me because my demise would only fuel the joy of my adversaries.” 

What is blood clotting?

Blood clotting, or coagulation, is a complex physiological process crucial for wound healing and preventing excessive bleeding. It involves a finely orchestrated sequence of events that transform liquid blood into a gel-like substance, forming a clot. 

When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets are the first responders. They adhere to the site of injury and release chemical signals that attract more platelets. These platelets form a temporary plug to stop the bleeding.

Simultaneously, a cascade of enzymatic reactions is initiated. Clotting factors, proteins present in the blood plasma, become activated one after another, ultimately leading to the conversion of the protein fibrinogen into fibrin. Fibrin forms a mesh-like network that reinforces the platelet plug, creating a stable clot.

Several factors regulate the blood clotting process to ensure it occurs only when necessary. Anticoagulants, such as heparin and proteins C and S, help prevent excessive clot formation and maintain blood fluidity.

Once the injury is healed, clot dissolution begins. Plasmin, an enzyme, breaks down fibrin, allowing the clot to dissolve gradually.

Blood clotting is a remarkable example of biological control and coordination, essential for maintaining hemostasis and preventing life-threatening bleeding disorders or excessive clotting, known as thrombosis.

There are several factors that can contribute to blood clot formation.

Here are five common causes:

Inactivity: Lack of movement can lead to blood pooling in the veins, increasing the risk of clot formation.

Genetics: Some people have inherited conditions that make their blood more likely to clot. This can increase the risk of developing blood clots.

Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease can all increase the risk of blood clot formation.

Surgery: Any surgical procedure can increase the risk of blood clot formation due to the body’s response to trauma.

Certain medications: Some medications, such as hormonal birth control and hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk of blood clot formation.

To help prevent blood clots, here are five tips:

Stay active: Regular physical activity can help improve blood circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the veins.

Stay hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water can help prevent dehydration, which can contribute to blood clot formation.

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of blood clots, so maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this risk.

Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and can increase the risk of blood clot formation. Quitting smoking can help lower this risk.

Follow a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain overall health and reduce the risk of conditions that can lead to blood clot formation.