Medical experts and public health stakeholders have expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria, warning that poor lifestyle habits, stress and inadequate health awareness are contributing to the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases across the country.
The experts made the observations during separate interviews with the Source on Friday in Abuja ahead of activities marking World Hypertension Awareness initiatives.
According to them, hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, has become one of the leading silent health threats affecting millions of Nigerians, particularly among adults and the elderly population.
Dr Ahmed Sule, a Consultant Cardiologist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, said many Nigerians were living with hypertension without knowing their health status.
He explained that the condition often develops gradually and may remain unnoticed until serious complications such as stroke, kidney failure or heart disease occur.
“Hypertension is often called a silent killer because many people do not experience symptoms until severe damage has already been done to vital organs,” he said.
Sule attributed the increasing cases to unhealthy diets, excessive salt intake, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and rising stress levels associated with economic pressures.
He stressed the importance of regular blood pressure checks, healthy eating habits and early medical intervention to reduce complications.
Similarly, Mrs Grace Yakubu, a public health advocate, called for increased public awareness campaigns, especially in rural communities where access to healthcare information remains limited.
She noted that many patients only visit hospitals when complications become severe due to poor health-seeking behaviour and financial constraints.
“There is a need for sustained community education on preventive healthcare. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of death associated with hypertension,” she said.
Yakubu also urged governments at all levels to strengthen primary healthcare systems and improve access to affordable medications for patients managing chronic illnesses.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that hypertension contributes significantly to global deaths linked to cardiovascular diseases annually.
Health stakeholders warned that Nigeria could witness a higher burden of non-communicable diseases if preventive healthcare measures are not prioritised.
They advocated routine medical screening, reduction in consumption of processed foods, increased physical exercise and improved mental health support as part of long-term solutions.
Meanwhile, some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who spoke with Source called for improved healthcare services and reduced cost of treatment.
Mr Emmanuel Peter, a civil servant, said many Nigerians were struggling to manage chronic illnesses due to rising medical expenses.
“Healthcare has become expensive for ordinary citizens. Many people cannot afford regular medical check-ups or medications,” he said.
Experts also encouraged employers and institutions to organise regular health screening programmes to promote early detection and healthier lifestyles among workers.
They maintained that stronger collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals and community organisations would help reduce the growing public health challenge posed by hypertension in the country.
