Hypertension
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Nigeria Hypertension Society (NHS) says that one-third of Nigeria’s adult population is hypertensive.
The President of the Society, Prof. Ayodele Omotoso, disclosed this
in a statement on Thursday issued to commemorate the World Hypertension
Day.
in a statement on Thursday issued to commemorate the World Hypertension
Day.
Omotoso, who is with the Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine,
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), said the theme of the
2018 World Hypertension Day is: “Know Your Numbers”.
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), said the theme of the
2018 World Hypertension Day is: “Know Your Numbers”.
“The meaning of the 2018 theme is simply “know your blood pressure recordings’’.
The Cardiologist 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.
hypertensive are aware of their status and just one-third of them are
on treatment inspite of availability of potent drugs.
He said that the purpose of the commemoration was to increase the awareness of high blood pressure around the world.
“The ultimate target is to encourage citizens of all countries to
prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic,’’ Omotoso
said.
prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic,’’ Omotoso
said.
He described 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.
elevation of blood pressure above a threshold of 140 mmHg systolic and
90 mmHg diastolic in an adult.
The expert warned that hypertension only announced its presence in
most people after they had suffered a stroke, heart failure, heart
attack or kidney failure.
most people after they had suffered a stroke, heart failure, heart
attack or kidney failure.
The cardiologist explained that the social and economic toll of the
complications of hypertension on immediate families and the nation at
large was enormous.
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.
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.
achieve a good blood pressure control and thus prevent complications
like stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure,’’ Omotoso
said.
The NHS President advised people to avoid consumption of excessive
salt and eat healthy diets with daily consumption of fruits and
vegetables.
salt and eat healthy diets with daily consumption of fruits and
vegetables.
He advised everyone to endeavour to have at least 30 minutes of regular exercise daily and reduce their weight.
“Avoid unhealthy lifestyle like smoking and alcohol consumption,’’ Omotoso said. (NAN)
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