Popularly known as the silent killer, hypertension is a condition that affects millions of people globally, including about 80 million Nigerians, with a general prevalence rate of around 30%—29.5% in men and 25% in women.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide had hypertension as of 2023, with the condition being prevalent in 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a major cause of premature death globally. It is a condition where the pressure of the blood against the blood vessels remains persistently high, leading to severe health complications if not properly managed.

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, significantly contributing to the global burden of disease.

Blood pressure is the force the blood exerts on the blood vessels as it flows through them. It is measured using a sphygmomanometer and is represented by two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic number measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts during a heartbeat, while the diastolic number measures the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. A person is diagnosed with hypertension if, on two different days, the systolic pressure reading is ≥140mmHg and the diastolic pressure reading is ≥90mmHg.

Causes of Hypertension: Hypertension is classified into two types:

• Primary high blood pressure
• Secondary high blood pressure

Primary high blood pressure is the most common type, accounting for about 90-95% of cases. It is largely due to unhealthy lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions.

• Excessive salt intake (>5mg daily)
• Obesity
• Smoking
• High alcohol intake
• Lack of exercise
• High-fat consumption
• Insulin resistance
• Poor sleeping habits

Secondary high blood pressure, which is less common, results from specific causes such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, endocrine disorders, and the use of birth control pills.

Risk Factors of Hypertension:

• Age: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age. As people age, their blood vessels lose elasticity, which can lead to increased blood pressure.
• Race: Africans and Black Americans have a higher risk of developing hypertension compared to other races.
• Gender: Men are at a higher risk of developing hypertension than women until age 64, after which women are more likely to have hypertension.
• Family history: Individuals with a family history of hypertension are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can increase a woman's risk of developing hypertension.

Symptoms of Hypertension:

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no obvious symptoms. However, in rare cases, some symptoms may include:

• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Sleeping problems
• Nosebleeds
• Headaches

Effects of Hypertension:

• Heart attacks and heart failure
• Stroke
• Amputation
• Kidney failure
• Hypertensive retinopathy, which can lead to blindness

Prevention of Hypertension:

Hypertension can be prevented by reducing its risk factors. Some preventive measures include:

• Engaging in regular physical exercise
• Reducing salt intake
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a low-fat diet
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Managing stress effectively

Cure of Hypertension:

While hypertension cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed by maintaining a healthy blood pressure level. Lifestyle and dietary changes play a significant role in managing hypertension.

It's a common misconception that hypertension only affects older adults. Young people can also develop hypertension, and regular blood pressure check-ups are essential for early detection. Through proper management and lifestyle modifications, individuals with hypertension can lead healthy lives.

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