In Nigeria, Hypertension Is On The Rise: Physicians

Mrs. Tolu Oladapo, a family health physician, says that cases of hypertension are rapidly increasing in Nigeria in spite of the fact that many, including those that have it, are not aware of the seriousness of this medical condition.

During an interview, Mrs. Oladapo states that, “Hypertension is increasingly becoming common in Nigeria, and in most cases, the patients are not even aware.”

Despite this, she says that having a healthy diet will help to lower one’s high blood pressure, which is commonly known as hypertension.

Mrs. Oladapo explain that a diet consisting of high sodium, salt, and cholesterol could easily cause hypertension.

“Sodium is a mineral that regulates fluid balance. When you consume more sodium than your body needs, it tries to flush it out, drawing more water into your blood.”

Mrs. Oladapo illustrated high blood pressure as a chronic health condition without any outwardly obvious symptoms.

“Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms, and it often develops slowly. This is why it is called a silent killer. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet,” she stressed. “One’s diet should contain vegetables, fish and eggs, while meat products and alcohol are reduced.”