High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer Threatening Nigerian Youth

By Itoro Victoria Oladokun

05 May 2024   |  
10:00 am

High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” for good reason. In Nigeria, a country undergoing rapid demographic and lifestyle changes, hypertension is increasingly becoming a significant health concern among the youth population. While traditionally associated with older adults, hypertension is now affecting Nigerian youth at an…

Blood pressure monitor. Photo: Pixabay

High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” for good reason. In Nigeria, a country undergoing rapid demographic and lifestyle changes, hypertension is increasingly becoming a significant health concern among the youth population.

While traditionally associated with older adults, hypertension is now affecting Nigerian youth at an alarming rate, posing serious health risks. As a result of the current economic situation in the country and the need to make earnings, young Nigerian youths often neglect their health, thereby allowing stressful situations to get to them. This could lead to hypertension which, when not properly managed, could trigger serious health issues.

Understanding high blood pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This condition puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if left untreated. While genetics can play a role, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress, and obesity are significant contributors to hypertension among Nigerian youth.

Impacts of high blood pressure

The impacts of high blood pressure on Nigerian youth are multifaceted and can affect various aspects of their lives. Here are some impacts to consider:

• Health consequences
  Hypertension increases the risk of developing life-threatening conditions at a younger age, including heart attacks and strokes. Young adults with uncontrolled hypertension are more likely to experience premature morbidity and mortality, depriving them of their full potential and contributing to the country’s overall disease burden.
• Economic burden
  Managing hypertension and its complications places a significant economic burden on individuals, families, and the healthcare system. The cost of medications, hospital visits, and potential loss of productivity due to disability can exacerbate financial strain, particularly for young adults who may still be establishing their careers.
• Quality of life
  Living with hypertension can significantly diminish the quality of life for young adults. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and limitations on physical activity. It can impact academic and professional performance, social relationships, and overall well-being, hindering their ability to thrive and contribute positively to their families and society at large.

Read Also: Regular exercise lowers cancer, diabetes, hypertension risks, studies show

Solutions to curb high blood pressure

Addressing the rising prevalence of hypertension among Nigerian youth requires a comprehensive approach that targets both individual behaviours and systemic factors. Here are some effective strategies to tackle hypertension:

• Promoting healthy lifestyles
  Educating young adults on the importance of healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption is crucial for preventing and managing hypertension. Public health campaigns, school-based initiatives, and community programmes can raise awareness and encourage positive behavioural change.
• Access to subsidised healthcare
  Affordable and quality healthcare services, including routine blood pressure screenings and early intervention, is essential for managing hypertension among Nigerian youth. The government has provided a subsidised health care plan, Ile Ra Eko, to enable everyone to gain quality healthcare services. Every young Nigerian youth should seize the opportunity and get affordable healthcare services to combat the silent killer- hypertension.
• Regular exercise
  Regular exercise is a weapon to fight most health challenges and stay fit and healthy. So, regularly exercise to loosen tension on your muscles and arteries, keeping you relaxed and stress free.
• Avoid stress
  Due to the current situation of the country, one may take on multiple jobs to foot bills and save for the future. However, this should not be done at the expense of one’s health. Where work conditions do not fit your health situation, avoid such work at all cost. Bills can only be paid conveniently when one is alive and healthy.
• Regular health check ups
  Do not forget to book regular appointments with your health practitioner to monitor your blood pressure and overall health. Preventing a health disorder is much better than curing it.
• Routine medication
  If you notice a certain irregularity with your blood pressure, consult a practitioner to examine you and suggest drugs or procedures to normalise your BP.

The bottomline

In summary, high blood pressure among Nigerian youth is a pressing public health issue with far-reaching consequences. By implementing holistic approaches that encompass education, access to healthcare, and encouraging regular check ups and exercises, they can overcome the silent killer and lead a healthy life, contributing positively to their families and the society at large.