As the world commemorates World Hypertension Day on May 17, medical experts in Nigeria are raising concerns about the alarming rise in sudden deaths, often referred to as “slump and die,” many of which are linked to undiagnosed or poorly managed hypertension.
This year’s theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” underscores the critical role of regular blood pressure monitoring in the prevention and management of hypertension.
Nnenna Ezeigwe, former National Coordinator for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasised the severity of the situation, noting some measures that could be taken to mitigate its impact.
“Hypertension is a major public health issue, contributing to 11 percent of over 2 million NCD-related deaths annually in Nigeria. However, preventive steps such as regular physical activity and healthy eating habits can significantly reduce the risk,” she said.
Echoing this, Chinonso Egemba, a medical doctor, highlighted the severity of hypertension and the importance of dietary modifications.
“ Hypertension is a silent killer, however, the simplest yet most effective strategy is reducing salt intake. High sodium levels in food significantly increase the risk of developing hypertension. Cutting down on salty snacks and processed foods is crucial,” he advised.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a medical consultant, added that lifestyle adjustments are essential in both preventing and managing hypertension.
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“Incorporating more dietary fibre, improving sleep quality, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting mindfulness practices are all key. It’s also important to avoid alcohol, smoking, refined sugar, and excessive salt—especially in chronic cases,” he explained.
With only 450 cardiologists, 70 cardiothoracic surgeons, and 15 interventional cardiologists serving the entire population, Nigeria’s cardiovascular healthcare sector is critically understaffed, experts say.
Given the growing prevalence of heart-related conditions, medical experts emphasise that prevention is far more practical—and safer—than relying solely on curative measures.
Global outlook
Despite the growing global burden of hypertension, only 1 in 5 adults with the condition has it under control, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
This leaves 80 percent of individuals with elevated blood pressure at significant risk of life-threatening complications such as heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat, and kidney failure.
Hypertension, often called the “silent killer”, now affects more than 1.2 billion people globally, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of this public health crisis.
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In Nigeria, data from the Nigerian Hypertension Society shows that between 38 percent and 42 percent of the adult population is hypertensive, accounting for about 17 million deaths annually.
The crisis isn’t limited to Africa. In the United States, hypertension affects nearly half of the adult population (49.6 percent), translating to more than 119 million people, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Meanwhile, in South Asia, the prevalence of hypertension ranges between 15 percent and 35 percent, while in sub-Saharan Africa, the rate climbs to 46 percent, as reported by the American Heart Association Journal.
Symptoms and causes
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), common symptoms of hypertension, particularly in severe or uncontrolled cases, can include severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, blurred vision, anxiety, and confusion, among others. These warning signs often go unnoticed until serious complications arise, reinforcing hypertension’s reputation as a “silent killer.”
The WHO also highlights several key risk factors for developing hypertension. These include unhealthy dietary habits, such as excessive salt intake, diets high in saturated and trans fats, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Other contributing factors are physical inactivity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese.
Beyond individual lifestyle choices, environmental factors also play a significant role in the development of hypertension. Air pollution, in particular, has been identified as one of the most critical environmental risks linked to hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.
