The Permanent Secretary in the Plateau State Ministry of Health, Dr Elias Pede, has revealed that about 41 per cent of Nigerian adults are either hypertensive or likely to have one in their lives.
He also revealed that an estimated 7.5 million deaths occur annually as a result of hypertension.
“Based on current research, 41 per cent of Nigerians are hypertensive.
The scary aspect is that that figure is expected to increase over time,’’ Pede said while briefing newsmen on this year’s Hypertension Day.
The scary aspect is that that figure is expected to increase over time,’’ Pede said while briefing newsmen on this year’s Hypertension Day.
He described hypertension as “a major public health concern’’, explaining that the prevalence was higher among the low income segment of the population.
“Research has also shown that victims range around 40 per cent of adults in African countries with some as young as 25,” he added.
The permanent secretary cautioned against uncontrolled high blood pressure, noting that it heightened the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and kidney failure.
Pede defined hypertension as raised blood pressure above the normal range for sex or age.
“Most people are hypertensive, it affects one in every three adults.
The unfortunate thing about it is that if it is not detected early and if left untreated, it can cause heart attack, stroke or death,” he said.
The unfortunate thing about it is that if it is not detected early and if left untreated, it can cause heart attack, stroke or death,” he said.
