The Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) has expressed concern over the prevailing attitudes and low awareness levels among Nigerians, noting that only about 10 percent of those living with hypertension are currently receiving treatment.
NHS President, Simeon Isezuo, noted that less than 2.5 per cent of Nigerians with hypertension achieve blood pressure control or normal blood pressure.
In a statement on Wednesday in commemoration of this year’s World Hypertension Day (WHD), Isezuo lamented that despite hypertension affecting nearly one in three adults in urban areas and one in four in rural communities, awareness and management remain critically low, putting millions at risk of serious complications like stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.
WHD, observed annually on 17 May, marks its 20th anniversary this year with the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer! aimed at raising awareness and promoting the prevention, detection, and control of hypertension.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension affects about 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years globally, with two-thirds living in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
The number of adults with hypertension has nearly doubled from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in 2015, mainly due to rising risk factors in the LMICs.
It was also noted that the WHO African Region has the highest prevalence at 27 percent, with the Region of the Americas having the lowest at 18 percent, while an estimated 46 percent of adults with hypertension are unaware they have the condition, as it often presents no symptoms.
According to Isezuo, hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is diagnosed when a person consistently records systolic readings of 140 mm Hg or higher, or diastolic readings of 90 mm Hg or higher.
Noting that hypertension is a silent but widespread health threat, he pointed out that in Nigeria, about one in every three adults in urban areas and one in every four adults in rural areas live with hypertension.
“Hypertension can only be detected through blood pressure measurement by health personnel. Unfortunately, many Nigerians have never measured their blood pressure or have access to accurate blood pressure measurement,” Isezuo noted.
He urged Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure during every healthcare visit, at home, or in nearby health facilities.
To prevent and manage hypertension, he recommended adopting a healthy lifestyle, including low salt, sugar, and fat intake; high consumption of fruits and vegetables; regular physical activity; quitting smoking; and moderating alcohol consumption.
However, the NHS is launching the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign to coincide with this year’s World Hypertension Day, as part of its advocacy efforts to raise awareness and curb the growing menace of hypertension.
According to MMM National Coordinator, Dr. Oladipupo Fasan, the nationwide initiative, which runs from May to July, will see NHS members visit local communities to conduct free blood pressure screenings.
