By Williams Anuku, Abuja
Medical experts have asserted that out of every 100 Nigerians, 38 are probably managing issues associated with high blood pressure.
They advised Nigerian women to ensure regular medical check-up to ascertain their health status in order to avert high blood pressure which is now a silent killer.
Drs Bisola Adebayo, Public Physician, College of Medicine, Lagos State University and Titilade Akinola, Medical Consultant at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) gave the advice in a webinar lecture on “Saving Women from the Silent Killer: High Blood Pressure” organised by the Center for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development (CGWCSD) and coordinated by Dr Adebimpe Adenugba.
While advising annual or biannual medical check-up for women to know the state of health, the medical experts noted that lifestyle, stress, smoking, and high cholesterol could contribute to high blood pressure.
In her own presentation, Dr Adebayo who noted that hypertension is a major cause of death worldwide disclosed that 38 out of 100 people in Nigeria have high blood pressure.
While stating that “up to 42 per cent of adult women are hypertensive” she advised women to “measure their blood pressure, control it and live longer”.
Drs Adebayo and Akinola revealed the need for women experiencing chronic stress arising from emotional, mental and economic and psychological sources to address these stressors to prevent them from triggering high blood pressure.
According to Dr Akinola, the COVID-19 pandemic “brought unprecedented changes including lifestyle changes making people more sedentary, increase weight and obesity, loss of job, which increased blood pressure”.
She then argued that maintaining a “healthy lifestyle is crucial for blood pressure maintenance.
“Regular blood pressure checks are very important for adults of 20 years and above. Women should maintain a work-life balance for optimal blood pressure. Lifestyle modification through diet, weight maintenance and exercise are vital for blood pressure regulation. People on antihypertensives should continue drugs and regular physician review.”
The Executive Director of the Center, Professor Olabisi Aina who stated that a healthy woman will bring about a healthy family and nation stated that the Center is aimed at seeing a Nigerian society devoid of gender-based discrimination and abuses including interest in working with women, girls and youths for sustainable development.