Hypertension, a massive killer condition, is on the rise in Nigeria, with studies revealing that one in every three persons in the country is hypertensive.
This is contained in research carried out by a non-governmental organisation, Nigeria Hypertension Society (NHS).
Hypertension is an abnormal cardiovascular condition characterised by an increase in heart rate above normal. It is a silent medical condition that affects over one billion people worldwide; it is measured in systolic and diastolic, which is usually from 110/90mmHg to 140mmHg.
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Daily News 24, in an exclusive interview with Dr Nura Aliyu, an expert working with SMAN Diagnostic Centre, explained HBP as a disorder of the heart that can affect everyone, every gender, both young and old.
Classification of Hypertension
According to Dr Nura Aliyu, a health expert, hypertension is classified into; primary, secondary and gestational.
“Primary Hypertension is a condition with no medical cause, and there is no specific cause of High Blood Pressure. Predisposing factors majorly cause them.
“Predisposing factors are actions that trigger or cause a person to have HBP.
‘Secondary hypertension is caused by some underlying medical condition which results in HBP.
Patients with heart Diseases, mental Conditions, Depression, cancer, and some medical conditions are prone to hypertension.
“Gestational hypertension is only caused by Pregnancy. It is also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension”.
Newborn babies can develop High Blood Pressure (HBP) – Dr Nura
Newborn babies can develop HBP in their mother’s womb due to an abnormality of the heart. It can also be a result of complications during delivery. HBP in babies is called congenital hypertension.
“It is advised for pregnant women to get early antenatal to control the occurrences of their babies getting HBP”, Dr Nura advised.
Predisposing factors of High Blood Pressure
Aged people are prone to Higher blood pressure. “Age is a factor in HBP, and people should go on regular medical checks up whether young or old.
The expert explained that the lifestyle of individuals contributes to having hypertension such as.
- Frustration
- Fear
- Stress
- Obesity
- Intake of alcohol
- Smoking
- Lack of balanced diet
- Emotions
- Lack of exercise
Dr Nura speaks on preventive measures
According to the expert, eating foods with potassium (kanwa), calcium (salt), and magnesium should be reduced; according to the expert, these increase blood pressure.
“People with high blood pressure should eat a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium-rich foods, particularly salt.”
“Such people should always eat nutrient-dense foods such as protein, fibre, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, a well-balanced diet.”
The doctor also urged patients to get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sound sleep.
“Persons should also limit their alcohol and smoking intake because both can raise blood pressure”, he added.
“Regular medical checks up for hypertensive patients and non, pregnant women should go to antenatal as soon as they are pregnant.
He further advised patients to try to avoid the cause of their HBP and take medications as prescribed by their health experts.
“It minimises the risk of HBP leading to other medical conditions like stroke, heart attack, dementia, heart failure, among other diseases”.
According to a five-year survey conducted by the Non-Communicable Research Group (NCD), researchers’ hypertension is the primary cause of sudden death in Nigeria.
