It’s silent but deadly. Most of its victims experience no symptoms, even when they reach a dangerous levels. Many do not even know what blood pressure is or its causes and effects.
Experts explain that blood pressure is the force of blood against your arteries. Your heart pumps blood to the entire body. Dr. Tunde Adeyemi, a cardiologist in Lagos, explains, “Blood pressure is a vital sign of your overall heart health.” This pressure has two readings: systolic (when the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart rests). Normal blood pressure should be around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure, called hypertension, occurs when these readings go above 140/90 mmHg.
Why does blood pressure kill silently?
Hypertension often shows no symptoms. Many people live with it for years without knowing. Dr. Adeyemi warns, “Hypertension is like a thief in the night. It silently damages organs until a major event occurs.”
Sudden complications, like strokes or heart attacks, happen without warning. The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “Nearly half of people with hypertension are unaware they have it.” “You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms,” says Mayo Clinic.
Globally, 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 have hypertension. Of these, two-thirds live in low-income countries. In Africa, 46% of adults have high blood pressure, according to the WHO.
Unfortunately, only 27% receive treatment. Late detection leads to severe complications. The African Heart Network adds, “Cultural practices and lack of awareness contribute significantly to the hypertension crisis in Africa.”
- Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated.
- Approximately 1 in 5 adults (21%) with hypertension have it under control.
- Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
- One of the global targets for noncommunicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 33% between 2010 and 2030.
Causes and effects
Many factors contribute to high blood pressure. Common causes include:
- High salt intake from foods like suya and canned soup. WHO recommends, “Daily salt intake should not exceed 5 grams.”
- Stress, from daily “hustling” in Lagos traffic, for instance.
- Excessive alcohol consumption during owambe celebrations.
- Lack of exercise from sitting long hours at work or watching football.
- Genetics, common in families with hypertension history. “If your parents had hypertension, your risk doubles,” says Dr. Adeyemi.
Hypertension causes fatigue and dizziness. People feel drained even after good sleep. It affects their daily routines. Swollen feet and headaches reduce mobility and joy. Many Nigerians ignore these signs until it’s too late. Dr. Adeyemi notes, “Simple symptoms can mask severe underlying issues. Don’t dismiss them.”
Families struggle emotionally and financially. Hypertension leads to unexpected hospital trips or funeral expenses. Parents might leave children unprepared financially. Stress spreads within families as members support the sick. “When a breadwinner is lost to hypertension, families often spiral into poverty,” says Mrs. Bimpe Ajayi, a family health expert.
At workplaces, hypertension reduces productivity. Workers miss days due to health issues. Employers deal with decreased efficiency. Stress levels rise for colleagues picking up extra work. Critical roles remain vacant Mrs. Ajayi.
To control the ailment, experts recommend regular checkups help detect hypertension early. “Prevention is cheaper than treatment,” says the WHO.
Eat less salt, use smaller portions when seasoning. Exercise daily, even 30-minute walks help. Manage stress with relaxation techniques or talking to loved ones. Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking. Dr. Adeyemi advises, “Lifestyle changes save lives. Start small and stay consistent.”
Leave feedback about this