The Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) has emphasized the urgent need to increase awareness and promote the prevention, early detection, and treatment of hypertension, noting that one in three Nigerian adults suffers from this condition.
In a statement signed by its President, Prof Simeon Isezuo to commemorate the 2024 World Hypertension Day, , the NHS highlighted the huge number of deaths from hypertension despite it being a preventable disease.
World Hypertension Day, observed annually on 17 May, aims to raise awareness and promote the prevention, detection, and control of hypertension.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
Prof Isezuo said the day is significant particularly in Nigeria where one of every three adults has hypertension.
He said hypertension has no symptoms until serious damage has been done to the body.
“Hence, many people with this condition are unaware of having it, and only a few of those who are aware are on treatment,” he said.
“Furthermore, most of those who are on treatment do not achieve normal blood pressure levels mainly because they do not take their medicines regularly.”
He noted that hypertension is the leading cause of stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and heart attack resulting in death or disability of people, usually breadwinners, in economically productive years of their lives.
He said obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and diets rich in salt, fats, and sugar are currently the main factors behind the rising burden of hypertension in Africa.
“I therefore recommend consumption of traditional African food derived from roots, stem, and leaves, regular exercise, and optimum weight for prevention of hypertension. Unhealthy foods should be taxed to discourage their consumption.”
He encourage traditional African physically active lifestyles including frequent trekking, gardening, and native African dances.
“Where prevention of hypertension is not possible or feasible, the emphasis should be on early detection. This requires regular blood pressure checks which is not possible without sustained public enlightenment to improve awareness about hypertension,” he said.
The President urged health workers to utilize contacts with patients and clients as opportunities to check blood pressure, irrespective of the reason for the consultations.
“Home blood pressure monitoring should similarly be encouraged. Blood pressure measurement requires appropriate apparatus. I urge the health industries to continue to improve in making this equipment affordable and user-friendly.”