One-Third Nigeria’s Adult Population Hypertensive

Prof. Ayodele Omotoso, the President of the Nigeria Hypertension Society (NHS) says that one-third of Nigeria’s adult population is hypertensive.

In a statement released on Thursday to commemorate the World Hypertension Day, with the theme “Know Your Numbers”. Omotoso, who is with the Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), 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.

“The meaning of the 2018 theme is simply “know your blood pressure recordings’’.

“The ultimate target is to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic,’’ Omotoso said.

While describing 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, he said said that the purpose of the commemoration was to increase the awareness of high blood pressure around the world.

According to NAN, the cardiologist explained that the social and economic toll of the complications of hypertension on immediate families and the nation at large was enormous.

“The Nigerian Hypertension Society, an affiliate of the International Society of Hypertension and World Hypertension League, advises that everybody check 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,’’ Omotoso said.

He further admonished people to do away and shun the consumption of excessive salt and consume healthy diets with daily intake of fruits and vegetables. He added that 30 minute exercise each take would go a long way to ensuring that they stay healthy.

“Avoid unhealthy lifestyle like smoking and alcohol consumption,’’ Omotoso said.