The Nigerian Hypertension Society has raised concern over the growing burden of hypertension in Nigeria, revealing that one in every three adults in the country is living with the condition, while fewer than one in five patients achieve proper blood pressure control.
The society made this known in a statement issued on Saturday ahead of World Hypertension Day, commemorated annually on May 17, with the theme: “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check your blood pressure regularly and defeat the silent killer.”
President of the society, Prof. Simeon Isezuo, described hypertension as the leading preventable cause of death and disability in Nigeria and globally, warning that the disease continues to claim lives silently because many patients remain unaware of their condition until severe complications occur.
“Hypertension remains one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. Sadly, many Nigerians do not know they are hypertensive until they suffer complications such as stroke, kidney failure or heart disease,” Isezuo said.
According to him, hypertension often leads to life-threatening illnesses such as stroke, kidney failure, heart failure and heart attacks if left untreated.
“The silent killer can be defeated if detected early and properly managed. Regular blood pressure checks and adherence to treatment are critical in reducing avoidable deaths,” he added.
He stressed that tackling the menace requires collective action involving government, healthcare workers, civil society groups, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, as well as families.
The society identified low awareness, late diagnosis, poverty, poor medication adherence, weak primary healthcare systems and
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