The Nigeria Hypertension Society (NHS) has stated that one-third of the country’s adult population is hypertensive. The President of the Society, Prof. Ayodele Omotoso, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday to commemorate the World Hypertension Day. Omotoso, who is with the Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), said the theme of the 2018 World Hypertension Day is “Know Your Numbers.” “The meaning of the 2018 theme is simply “know your blood pressure recordings.”
The cardiologist said that only one-third of adult Nigerians, who are hypertensive are aware of their status and just one-third of them are on treatment inspite of availability of potent drugs. He said the purpose of the commemoration was to increase the awareness of high blood pressure around the world. “The ultimate target is to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic,” he said.
He described hypertension as “a situation in which there is sustained elevation of blood pressure above a threshold of 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic in an adult.”
The expert warned that hypertension only announced its presence in most people after they had suffered a stroke, heart failure, heart attack or kidney failure. “The Nigerian Hypertension Society, an affiliate of the International Society of Hypertension and World Hypertension League, advises that everybody checks his or her blood pressure regularly.
Those with hypertension should consult their medical practitioners for proper advice. “If you are hypertensive, please take your medications regularly to achieve a good blood pressure control and thus prevent complications like stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure.
” He advised everyone to endeavour to have at least 30 minutes of regular exercise daily and reduce their weight. “Avoid unhealthy lifestyle like smoking and alcohol consumption.”
