A family health physician, Tolu Oladapo, says the cases of hypertension are now rapidly increasing in Nigeria even though many are not aware of the serious medical condition.

“Hypertension is increasingly becoming common in Nigeria, and in most cases, the patients are not aware,” Mrs Oladapo said in an interview on Wednesday.

Nonetheless, she said eating a healthy diet could help to lower high blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension.

Mrs Oladapo explained that a high sodium, salt, and cholesterol diet could cause hypertension.

“Sodium is a mineral that regulates fluid balance. When you consume more sodium than your body needs, it tries to flush it out, drawing more water into your blood,” stated the physician.

She described high blood pressure as a chronic health problem without causing symptoms.

“Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms, and it often develops slowly. This is why it is called a silent killer. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet,” she stressed. “Diet should contain vegetables, fish and eggs, while meat products and alcohol are reduced.”

(NAN)