The Nigerian Hypertension Society has disclosed that no fewer than thirty percent of the Nigerian adult population is currently suffering from hypertension in the country.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Hypertension, Professor Simeon Isezuo, stated this on Thursday in Sokoto during a press briefing at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, UDUTH, Sokoto, as part of activities to celebrate the 2024 World Hypertension Day.
He said the aim of the exercise is to raise awareness and promote the early detection and treatment of hypertension.
“This is particularly significant in Nigeria, where one in every three adults has hypertension. It has no symptoms until serious damage has been done to the body.
“Many people with this condition are unaware of having it, and only a few of those who are aware are on treatment, while many of them don’t take their medicines regularly.”
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Identifying hypertension as the leading cause of stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and heart attacks resulting in death or disability, he said the sickness is, however, preventable and treatable.
“The fact that hypertension was a rare condition among native Africans before Western civilization suggests that it is preventable. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet rich in salt, fats, and sugar are currently the main factors behind the rising burden of hypertension in Africa.
“I therefore recommend the consumption of traditional African food derived from roots, stem, and leaves, regular exercise, and optimum weight for the prevention of hypertension.”
While calling on federal lawmakers to enact a law compelling companies to enforce appropriate labeling of salt, fat, and sugar contents on food packages, he also calls for a traditional African physically active lifestyle, including trekking, gardening, and native African dances.
Professor Isezuo also commended the federal government and her partners for incorporating the care of hypertension into the primary health care program as well as training and supervising non-physician health workers.
He also encouraged families to support and encourage their members with hypertension to take their medicines regularly.
“Regular blood pressure checks should be encouraged in the family. Ultimately, every family, household, or home in Nigeria should have a blood pressure apparatus for regular blood pressure checks.”
