Hypertension Alert: Why Sodium Limits Matter Now

By: Esi-ife Arogundade

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries remains consistently too high over time. As your heart pumps greater volumes of blood and your arterial passages become more constricted, this pressure increases.

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

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 46% of hypertensive adults remain oblivious to their condition. Among those aware, just 42% receive diagnosis and treatment, with merely 21% managing to keep their hypertension under control. Within Nigeria, the Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) suggests that at least 30% of the country’s adult populace suffers from hypertension, but shockingly, only roughly 10% are undergoing treatment. To make matters worse, fewer than 2.5% of affected Nigerians successfully manage to normalize their blood pressure levels.

Since 2010, a key worldwide objective regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been to cut down the incidence of hypertension by 33% come 2030. A crucial aspect of achieving this target involves tackling primary contributors to hypertension such as poor dietary habits — notably high levels of sodium (salt), saturated and trans fats — along with insufficient exercise, tobacco use, heavy drinking, and overweight conditions. Among these elements, sodium stands out; although essential for nerve activity and maintaining fluid equilibrium within the body, consuming too much can heighten the likelihood of developing hypertension and heart-related disorders. According to World Health Organization guidelines, people should cap their daily sodium uptake at 2 grams (equivalent to about 5 grams of salt). However, both globally and specifically in places like Nigeria, average intakes surpass this threshold, leading to avoidable health issues. In fact, studies suggest that individuals in Nigeria ingest roughly 5.8 grams of salt each day—an amount well above the WHO-recommended maximum of 2 grams of sodium—or under half a tablespoon of salt every single day.

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During the inauguration of the 2024 Salt Awareness Week event, the Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), Ali Pate, highlighted the magnitude of the issue. He mentioned 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 a significant step forward as part of the government's initiative aimed at decreasing sodium intake, fostering a more health-conscious dietary landscape, and reducing incidents of cardiovascular diseases. This guideline was crafted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, backed by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), along with several crucial domestic and global collaborators.

During the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, encouraged NAFDAC to start implementing restrictions on sodium levels. He also appealed to the food sector to adopt product modifications. The minister emphasized that these adjustments were crucial for decreasing the country’s load of non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure and heart ailments without jeopardizing profits or trade activities.

Identifying where salt is concealed in our diet is crucial since numerous processed and packaged foods have significant amounts of sodium, frequently unnoticed by consumers. Therefore, CAPPA has encouraged the Federal Government to speed up the creation of rules designed to enforce specific salt limits in these types of products.

Esi-ife Arogundade, Ikeja, Lagos

In addition, CAPPA firmly backs the introduction of front-of-pack labeling for food items as a key approach to tackling high salt consumption. Presenting straightforward nutritional data clearly on the package empowers buyers to opt for more wholesome alternatives. Rather than sifting through intricate ingredient listings and nutrition charts, shoppers can swiftly gauge the sodium level of a product just by looking at it. Such labels aim not only to educate consumers but also to push producers toward decreasing the salt content in their offerings. As public understanding grows regarding the adverse health effects linked to surplus sodium, businesses might be motivated to revamp their formulations, thus contributing to a safer food ecosystem.

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

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Let's seize this moment to focus on our well-being by paying closer attention to how much salt we consume. By making deliberate, educated decisions now, we can strive toward a healthier and more balanced tomorrow not just for ourselves but also for those around us.

Esi-ife Arogundade, Ikeja, Lagos

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