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 unhealthy lifestyles—including excessive salt intake, physical inactivity and stress—as major factors worsening the hypertension crisis in Nigeria.
It further noted that the country’s current economic challenges have increased the cost of medicines, transportation to hospitals and healthy foods, forcing many patients to either skip medications, reduce dosages or abandon treatment completely.
“Many patients are unable to sustain treatment because of the rising cost of drugs and healthcare services. Some now ration their medications or stop treatment entirely, thereby increasing their risk of complications,” the statement noted.
To mark the 2026 World Hypertension Day, the society disclosed that its members across the country would conduct free blood pressure screening exercises and public enlightenment campaigns through print and electronic media.
It also announced plans to organise continuing medical education webinars on hypertension and diabetes for health workers.
While commending the efforts of the Nigerian government in addressing hypertension, the society called for subsidised essential drugs and expanded health insurance coverage to improve access to treatment.
“We urge governments at all levels to strengthen primary healthcare services, subsidise antihypertensive medications and expand health insurance so that more Nigerians can access affordable treatment,” Isezuo said.
The group also urged healthcare workers to routinely screen adults for hypertension and provide proper counselling on healthy lifestyles and evidence-based treatment.
It advised Nigerians to regularly monitor important health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body weight in order to reduce the risk of complications associated with hypertension.
“Preventing hypertension complications begins with simple lifestyle changes—healthy eating, regular exercise, reduced salt intake, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and keeping medical appointments,” the society added.
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