Hypertension in Nigeria: the serial killer no one is talking about

Hypertension in Nigeria: the serial killer no one is talking about

Gabriel Oguche

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April 18, 2025

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20 Comments

Overview

1 in 3 Nigerians Has High Blood Pressure and Most Don’t Even Know It.

According to the World Health Organization, hypertension kills about 10 million people globally every year and Nigerians are not left out.

Hypertension is quietly creeping through Nigeria, claiming lives without warning. It’s time we started talking about it. What is this so-called “silent killer”? Why is it hitting Nigerians so hard? And what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones from its grip?

What Exactly Is Hypertension?

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the pressure within the arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body, remains constantly high.

This pressure is measured in two values:

Systolic (when the heart beats)
Diastolic (when the heart rests between beats)

So, we can say that hypertension is a state in which these values—especially the diastolic pressure—remain consistently elevated over time.

In terms of numbers, the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) suggests that blood pressure readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg are a strong clinical indication of hypertension.

Why Is This Happening? The Hidden Triggers Around Us

From salty suya and the daily stress of navigating Nigeria, to that second bottle of stout, our lifestyle choices are putting our hearts at risk. Add in genetics and a healthcare system that is grossly understaffed and under-equipped, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster: widespread cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension.

We have seen how dangerous this disease is, now let’s break down some of the causes.

Causes of Hypertension

Poor diet: Many Nigerians consume meals high in salt and unhealthy fats, with little fruit or vegetable intake. This increases the risk of hypertension.
Sedentary lifestyle: Particularly common among older adults and remote workers. A lack of physical activity contributes heavily to rising blood pressure.
Stress: Nigerians are constantly hustling—chasing jobs, battling traffic, and managing financial pressure. The economic state of this nation alone can take a toll on one’s mental and physical health.
Smoking and alcohol: Unfortunately, alcohol and cigarette use are widespread, and both have been strongly linked to high blood pressure.
Genetics and age: The risk of hypertension rises with age and family history. If your parents or relatives have it, your chances of developing it are significantly higher.

No Alarms, No Warnings: How High Blood Pressure Sneaks Up on You

Hypertension rarely shows symptoms until damage is already done. If you’re feeling “fine,” that might be the danger. Watch out for headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, or nosebleeds but most importantly, get your blood pressure checked regularly.

Flip the Script: How to Outsmart Hypertension

Small, consistent changes make a big difference:

Eat less salt
Move more
Limit alcohol
Quit smoking
Learn to manage stress

And above all, schedule regular blood pressure checks especially if you’re over 35 or have a family history of hypertension.

What You Gain When You Take Control

Managing your blood pressure reduces your risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. You will feel more energetic, spend less on hospital visits, and live longer. That’s a win on every front.

The Cost of Ignoring It: What Hypertension Can Really Do

If left untreated, hypertension can cause permanent organ damage or sudden death. Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure are very outcomes of high BP. For too many Nigerians, the first symptom is thelast one.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait for a Scare, Get Checked Today

Even if you feel healthy, check your blood pressure. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. Prevention starts with awareness. Stay tuned toMedView Health for more trusted health info.