A Consultant Cardiologist at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Dr Nneka Udora, has expressed concern over the growing prevalence of hypertension among young adults in Nigeria.
Udora said the condition is increasingly being diagnosed in individuals as young as 18 years, describing the trend as a significant public health concern.
The cardiologist spoke in an interview with Newsmen on Thursday in Awka while discussing the rising burden of hypertension and its implications for cardiovascular health.
She described hypertension as a “silent killer,” noting that many people living with the condition often experience no noticeable symptoms until serious complications arise.
According to her, hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed 140/90 millimetres of mercury, thereby increasing the risk of several life-threatening health conditions.
Udora warned that poorly managed hypertension could lead to severe complications, including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and other cardiovascular diseases that significantly affect quality of life.
She emphasised the need for greater awareness, prevention and effective management of the condition, noting that hypertension continues to affect millions of people worldwide, including a growing number of young adults.
The cardiologist explained that controlling hypertension largely depends on lifestyle changes and adherence to healthy habits that help reduce exposure to major risk factors.
She identified heredity, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and prolonged stress as some of the key factors contributing to the development of hypertension.
Udora urged Nigerians to make regular blood pressure checks a routine part of their healthcare and to adopt healthier lifestyles to minimise the risk of developing the condition.
“To prevent and control hypertension, people should maintain healthy eating habits, reduce salt intake, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, engage in regular physical activity and manage stress effectively,” she said.
She added that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, alongside other healthy lifestyle practices, could significantly reduce the risk of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.
Udora called for sustained public awareness campaigns and early health screenings to help curb the growing incidence of hypertension, particularly among young people, and promote healthier communities.
