NHF seeks increased efforts to reduce hypertension burden

As Nigeria observes the 2023 World Hypertension Day, the Nigerian Heart Foundation has urged coordinated measures to alleviate the high prevalence of hypertension in the country.

Many Nigerians are at danger of hypertension, according to Professor Basden Onuwubere, Chairman of the NHF Hypertension Committee, who made the announcement in Lagos at a ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

“Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer” is the subject of the 2023 World Hypertension Day, which was observed on Wednesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

He said, “According to estimates from 2021, over 70 million adults between the ages of 30 and 79, or 39% of the population, suffer from hypertension, with the prevalence being greater in women.

“A nationwide poll conducted around 20 years ago, just 30% of people are aware that they have hypertension, and more recent studies have not revealed any appreciable progress in this area.

“It has earned the moniker “Silent Killer” due to the low level of knowledge around it, and young people are particularly vulnerable due to factors including tobacco use, high salt consumption, bad diets, and being overweight.

“Given that these risk factors are among the main causes of hypertension, our government ought to be more considerate while addressing some of the nation’s health issues.

“Nigerians ought to routinely check their blood pressure. Unlike diabetes or other non-communicable illnesses, hypertension does not exhibit any symptoms.”

Prof. Onuwubere stated that hypertension continues to be the most common ailment on the list and that the NHF has been in the forefront of efforts to manage non-communicable diseases.

Speaking as well, Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, Executive Director of NHF, encouraged the government to fund preventative initiatives to deal with hypertension.

According to him, the Primary Healthcare system needs sufficient funds in order to combine the management of hypertension with other illnesses.

“The government has to take action to guarantee that Nigerians have access to treatment as the prevalence of hypertension is rising steadily.

“Nigerians also need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and regularly check their blood pressure,” Akinroye stated.

New Height Pharmacy’s Mr. Olayinka Ebenezer stated that the firm was working with NHF to raise awareness about hypertension in a similar manner.

Ebenezer, whose business markets Omron medical gadgets, advised Nigerians to get a certified device so they may take accurate blood pressure readings.

“This year’s WHD theme is “Measure accurately,” which is why we are working with NHF to raise awareness of hypertension.

“To accurately monitor your blood pressure, you require a clinically validated device, and Omron is the industry leader in that regard,” he stated.