Hypertension Crisis: The Urgent Case for Sodium Regulation and Healthier Diets - An International Perspective

By Esi-ife Arogundade

Each year in May, we observe World Hypertension Day, which highlights the critical role of being aware of and managing high blood pressure. Given the ongoing shifts in lifestyles, escalating stress, and growing rates of hypertension around the globe, this international health campaign holds greater relevance than ever before.

Hypertension, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure, occurs when the force of circulating blood against artery walls remains consistently high over time. This situation arises because each heartbeat sends out an increased volume of blood into arteries that have become constricted.

Hypertension usually doesn’t present noticeable signs; however, over time, it can lead to conditions such as coronary artery disease, strokes, chronic kidney issues, irregular heartbeat, dementia, heart failure, and various other cardiovascular problems. Therefore, being aware of one’s blood pressure levels and regularly checking them is crucial. Due to this lack of visible indicators and its status as a significant contributor to early mortality—impacting numerous individuals globally, including those in Nigeria—it has earned itself the ominous moniker "the silent killer."

As stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), It is believed that about 46% of adults suffering from high blood pressure are not aware of this health issue. Among those who are informed, less than half (only 42%) receive both diagnosis and treatment, whereas merely around one-fifth (approximately 21%) manage to keep their hypertension in check. Within Nigeria, the local Hypertension Society approximates these figures as well. No less than 30 percent of Nigeria's adults live with high blood pressure. , while Only approximately 10 percent of them are presently undergoing treatment at this time. For the condition, even worse, fewer than 2.5 percent of Nigerians with hypertension attain controlled blood pressure or normotension. .

Since 2010, one of the worldwide objectives for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been to decrease hypertension rates by 33% by 2030. A key part of achieving this involves addressing significant contributors to hypertension such as poor dietary habits — notably high levels of sodium (salt), saturated and trans fats — along with lack of exercise, tobacco use, heavy drinking, and being overweight. Among these, sodium plays a crucial role; although essential for nerve operation and maintaining fluid equilibrium within the body, consuming too much can heighten the chance of developing hypertension and heart conditions. According to World Health Organization guidelines, adults should not exceed 2 grams of sodium each day, roughly equating to about 5 grams of salt, which amounts to approximately one teaspoonful. However, current global trends show average intakes surpassing this threshold, contributing significantly to avoidable health issues. In Nigeria specifically, reported data indicates individuals consume around 5.8 grams of salt every day—an amount well above both international recommendations set forth by WHO and optimal public health standards.

During a ceremony marking the 2024 Salt Awareness Week, the Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), Ali Pate, highlighted the magnitude of the issue. He noted that at least 10 percent of fatalities from cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria can be linked to high levels of sodium intake.

To tackle this problem, Nigeria introduced the National Sodium Reduction Guideline in April, marking an important step toward decreasing salt intake, fostering a more health-conscious food landscape, and preventing heart diseases. This guideline was created by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with assistance from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), along with various prominent local and international collaborators.

During the event, the State Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako has encouraged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to start implementing restrictions on sodium levels and asked the food sector to adopt reforms in their products. He emphasized that these adjustments will not hinder profitability or trade but are crucial for decreasing the country’s load of non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure and heart conditions.

Identifying the hidden salts in our diet is crucial since numerous processed and packaged foods have significant amounts of sodium, usually unnoticed by us. Thus, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called upon the Federal Government to hasten the creation of rules designed to enforce sodium limits in ready-to-eat and pre-packaged food items.

Moreover, CAPPA vigorously advocates for implementing front-of-pack labeling on food items as a key approach to tackling high salt consumption. By presenting straightforward dietary details clearly on the package fronts, this system empowers shoppers to opt for more nutritious alternatives. Rather than struggling through intricate ingredient listings and nutritional charts, individuals can readily evaluate a product’s sodium level at first sight. Such labels function both as educational tools for buyers and incentives for producers to decrease salt quantities within their goods. As public understanding grows regarding the adverse effects linked with surplus sodium, businesses might be driven to revise their formulations, resulting in safer overall food offerings.

Moreover, giving up cigarettes and limiting alcohol consumption are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular well-being.

We should seize this chance to focus on our well-being by paying closer attention to how much salt we eat. By making deliberate, educated decisions now, we can strive for a healthier and more balanced life not only for ourselves but also for those around us.

Arogundade serves as a Healthy Food Advocate at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

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