Only 1 in 10 Nigerians with High Blood Pressure Get Proper Treatment - NHS

The NHS observed that fewer than 2.5 percent of Nigerians who have hypertension manage to attain controlled or normal blood pressure levels.

The Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) has disclosed that merely around 10 percent of hypertensive individuals in Nigeria are undergoing treatment for their condition.

This statement appeared in a press release authored by NHS President Simeon Isezuo, released to mark World Hypertension Day.

Mr. Isezuo pointed out that fewer than 2.5 percent of Nigerian individuals suffering from hypertension manage to attain controlled blood pressure levels or normalize their blood pressure.

Even though high blood pressure impacts approximately one in every three individuals living in cities and about one in four residing in countryside regions, Mr. Isezuo mentioned that consciousness and control over this condition are still very insufficient. This lack of attention places numerous people at significant risk for severe health issues such as strokes, renal disorders, and cardiac failures.

Mr. Isezuo remarked in the statement that hypertension can solely be identified via blood pressure measurements conducted by healthcare professionals. Sadly, numerous Nigerians either lack access to proper blood pressure checks or have never had theirs taken at all.

Each year, World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17th with the aim of increasing public knowledge about high blood pressure and encouraging actions for its prevention, early identification, and management.

This year, marking its 20th anniversary, it was celebrated under the theme, "Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement, Management for a Long Life!"

Detecting hypertension

High blood pressure, commonly referred to as hypertension, poses a stealthy yet prevalent danger to public health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that your blood pressure is considered elevated if you consistently measure systolic levels at 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or above, or diastolic levels at 90 mm Hg or more.

Mr. Isezuo highlighted that in Nigeria, approximately one out of every three adults in cities and one out of every four adults in countryside regions suffer from hypertension.

He encouraged Nigerians to consistently monitor their blood pressure during each medical appointment, at home, or at local healthcare centers.

He suggested maintaining a balanced way of life to avoid and control high blood pressure, which involves limiting salt, sugars, and fats; eating plenty of fruits and veggies; engaging in consistent exercise; stopping tobacco use; and reducing alcohol intake.

More on hypertension

According to the WHO, hypertension affects Roughly 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 worldwide, with approximately two-thirds residing in low- and middle-income nations.

The count of adults suffering from hypertension has almost doubled between 1975 and 2015, increasing from approximately 594 million to 1.13 billion during this period, largely because of an escalation in associated health risks within those nations.

In the World Health Organization’s African Region, the highest prevalence rate stands at 27 percent, whereas the Region of the Americas reports the lowest at 18 percent.

It was pointed out that approximately 46 percent of adults suffering from high blood pressure do not know they have this condition since it frequently shows no signs.

Factors contributing to an increased risk of hypertension encompass advanced age, genetic predisposition, being overweight, lack of exercise, consuming too much sodium, and heavy drinking.

Even though adopting healthier habits like improved eating patterns, consistent physical activity, and stopping smoking can assist in lowering blood pressure, the World Health Organization indicates that certain individuals might still require drugs to control the issue adequately.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).