Introduction
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called a “silent killer.” This is because many people have it without knowing, and it can quietly damage the body for years before symptoms show up.
In Nigeria, hypertension is a growing concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over one-third of Nigerian adults have high blood pressure. Unfortunately, many of them are undiagnosed, untreated, or poorly managed.
This article explains what high blood pressure is, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Exactly is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels (especially the arteries) as the heart pumps.
- It is recorded as two numbers:
Systolic (top number) – pressure when the heart beats
Diastolic (bottom number) – pressure when the heart rests between beats
Example: 120/80 mmHg (spoken as “120 over 80”).
According to international and Nigerian health guidelines, blood pressure is considered high when:
- Systolic is 140 mmHg or higher, or
- Diastolic is 90 mmHg or higher
Why Should Nigerians Be Concerned?
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria. It is a major risk factor for:
- Stroke
- Heart attack (cardiac arrest)
- Kidney failure
- Eye damage
- Sudden death
What makes it dangerous is that it often shows no early symptoms. A person can look and feel fine but have dangerously high blood pressure for years.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
There is no single cause of high blood pressure, but several factors can increase the risk:
1. Unhealthy Diet
- Eating too much salt (common in Nigerian dishes)
- Low intake of vegetables and fruits
- High consumption of fried or processed foods
2. Lack of Physical Activity
- Sedentary lifestyle (no regular exercise)
- Long hours sitting at work or watching TV
3. Obesity or Overweight
- Fat around the abdomen increases pressure on the heart and blood vessels
4. Smoking and Excess Alcohol
- Nicotine and alcohol damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure
5. Stress
- Chronic stress increases hormone levels that affect blood pressure
6. Family History
- If your parents or siblings have high blood pressure, your risk is higher
7. Age and Gender
- Risk increases with age
- Men are more likely to develop it earlier than women
Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms until complications develop. But in some cases, warning signs may include:
- Persistent headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain or tightness
- Nosebleeds (in severe cases)
- Palpitations (racing heartbeat)
- Fatigue or confusion
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly.
How to Check and Monitor Blood Pressure
Blood pressure can be measured easily using a digital BP monitor or manual device by a healthcare provider.
Ideal ranges:
- Normal: less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
- High: 140/90 mmHg and above
Regular screening is important — especially if you are:
- Over 40 years old
- Have diabetes
- Are overweight
- Have a family history of hypertension
Prevention and Lifestyle Management
High blood pressure is preventable and, in many cases, manageable without medication — especially in early stages.
1. Eat Smart
- Reduce salt intake (avoid adding salt at the table)
- Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Cut down on fried foods and red meat
- Drink more water instead of soft drinks or energy drinks
2. Be Active
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days
- Brisk walking, dancing, cycling, or light jogging all help
3. Maintain Healthy Weight
- Even modest weight loss reduces your blood pressure
- Avoid crash diets — focus on long-term healthy eating
4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
- Tobacco damages blood vessels
- Too much alcohol raises blood pressure and weakens the heart
5. Manage Stress
- Practice deep breathing, prayer, quiet time, or safe hobbies
- Don’t bottle up emotions — talk to trusted people
Treatment and Medical Support
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, a doctor may prescribe medications such as:
- Diuretics (“water pills”)
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Beta-blockers
- ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers)
Important: Never stop your medication without your doctor’s advice, even if you feel better.
Follow-ups are essential. Blood pressure treatment is not a one-time fix — it requires ongoing care.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to:
- Stroke – bleeding or blockage in the brain
- Heart attack – blocked arteries supplying the heart
- Kidney failure – leading to dialysis
- Loss of vision – due to damaged eye vessels
- Heart failure – the heart becomes too weak to pump blood
These are often sudden, expensive, and life-threatening.
What Can Communities and Families Do?
- Encourage regular BP checks at churches, markets, and workplaces
- Educate elderly relatives and offer support with medications
- Push for health policies that promote low-salt food options
- Share verified health information — not myths
Conclusion
High blood pressure may be silent, but its effects are loud and deadly. In Nigeria today, hypertension is affecting young and old alike. But the good news is this: it is preventable, detectable, and manageable.
Check your pressure. Control your lifestyle. Follow your doctor’s advice. Your heart will thank you.
