Tag: hypertension

Who are those prone to hypertension and what are the symptoms of the deadly disease? The disease is symptomless and unrelated to age and occupation, says Dr Pamela Ajayi of Pathcare Nigeria Limited.

Speaking on her company’s initiated radio awareness programme on cardiovascular diseases, Mrs Ajayi said Africans and indeed Nigerians are disposed to the gene of high blood pressure (HBP).

No fewer than one in four Nigerians may be unaware that they have HBP because it is symptomless, she added.

“This ignorance means they are oblivious to the risks to their health, as uncontrolled blood pressure is associated with heart enlargement, unexpected strokes, heart attacks and sudden death. The awareness programme,”Doctors on Air”, has created the ‘Know your numbers’ series. It is a unique health initiative urging Nigerians to take steps to improve their health and live longer, healthier by choosing ‘wellness’ and getting to know their essential health numbers,” she said.

Mrs Ajayi said whether you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or normal lipids, it is important to know your essential health numbers. “Establishing a baseline, monitoring any troubled areas, understanding your risks and making the right choices to improve the quality of your life and live longer are the aims of the awareness programme.”

Nigerians have been urged to reduce excessive salt intake, fatty foods and smoking to avoid being hypertensive.

A consultant physician in Jim Sam Hospital, Lagos, Dr Paul Iuho said these are the major causes of hypertension.

He spoke to The Nation on the rising incidences of high blood pressure (HBP).

Hypertension, he noted, can also result from obesity or being overweight and can be inherited.

Luho described hypertension as a condition which can lead to the damage of blood vessels and trigger other diseases such as heart attack, stroke, kidney diseases and even eye problems.

He said the first symptom of the condition is headache. Others are fatigue and vision problem, chest pain and difficulty in breathing or pounding in the chest, neck and ear.

Luho said cutting down one’s weight, quit smoking, diet, low fats intake, cutting down on salt intake and sodium in diet and getting involved in regular exercises are preventive measures that must be adhered to.

He urged hypertensive patients to change their lifestyle and reduce or avoid salty foods. Quitting smoking and hard drinks will help to reduce the risk of hypertension, Luho said.