The Nigerian Hypertension Society says less than 2.5 per cent of Nigerians living with hypertension successfully manage to keep their blood pressure under control.

Simeon Isezuo, president of the NHS, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2025 World Hypertension Day commemoration, themed ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer’.

The WHD is marked annually on May 17 to raise awareness about hypertension prevention, early detection, and treatment.

According to Mr Isezuo, one in every three adults in urban areas and one in every four adults in rural areas in Nigeria has hypertension.

“Only about one-third of Nigerians with hypertension are aware of their condition.

“This is largely because hypertension shows no symptoms. Only about 10 per cent of those affected are on treatment, and in fact, less than 2.5 per cent achieve blood pressure control,” Mr Isezuo said.

He warned that many Nigerians with uncontrolled hypertension were at increased risk of severe complications, including stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and heart attack.

Describing the figures as a public health crisis, Mr Isezuo noted that many Nigerians had never measured their blood pressure or had access to accurate devices.

He urged Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure during every healthcare visit, at home, or in nearby health facilities.

To prevent and manage hypertension, he recommended adopting a healthy lifestyle, including low salt, sugar, and fat intake; high consumption of fruits and vegetables; regular physical activity; quitting smoking; and moderating alcohol consumption.

“We encourage the federal government to expedite action on taxing unhealthy products and promoting healthier lifestyle choices,” he said.

Mr Isezuo added that the NHS was collaborating with the federal health ministry on translational research to develop Nigeria-specific, evidence-based treatment protocols.

(NAN)