High blood pressure (hypertension) is common, often silent, and a major cause of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vision loss. The good news: with regular checks, simple lifestyle changes and timely care, most people can prevent or control it. This article explains what hypertension is, why it matters for Nigerians, the signs to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, and clear, practical steps you can take today.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s recorded as two numbers (systolic/diastolic, e.g., 130/80 mmHg). When this pressure stays too high for too long, it damages arteries and vital organs.
According to Nigeria’s 2020 national hypertension guidelines, the threshold for high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults is a systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mmHg.
Blood pressure categories in Nigeria are generally defined as:
- Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg.
- Prehypertension: Systolic pressure of 120-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure of 80-89 mmHg.
- Hypertension:
- Stage 1: Systolic 140-159 mmHg or diastolic 90-99 mmHg.
- Stage 2: Systolic ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥100 mmHg.
How common is it and why Nigeria should pay attention
Hypertension is rising globally and especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, studies estimate that roughly one in three adults may have hypertension (estimates vary by region), and awareness, treatment and control remain low, meaning many people carry the risk without knowing it. Regular screening is essential to close that gap.
Globally, uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading preventable cause of death and disability; it quietly damages the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes over many years. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” by World Health Organization.
Why hypertension is dangerous (briefly)
When untreated, high blood pressure:
- Thickens and stiffens arteries > heart works harder > risk of heart failure and heart attack.
- Damages small blood vessels in the brain > risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
- Harms kidneys > chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
- Damages retinal vessels > vision loss.
Because these consequences develop gradually, early detection and consistent control are the most effective ways to prevent harm.
Common signs and symptoms (what to watch for)
Hypertension often has no symptoms, especially in early stages. But when blood pressure becomes very high or complications develop, people may notice:
- Persistent headache (often morning headaches)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
- Blurred vision or vision changes
- Nosebleeds (less common)
- Palpitations or unusual fatigue
Because many of these signs are non-specific, a normal feeling does not guarantee normal blood pressure measurement is the only reliable check.
Who’s at higher risk?
Risk factors that raise the chance of developing hypertension include:
- Age (risk increases after 40, but younger adults can be affected)
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Overweight and obesity
- High salt intake and diets rich in processed foods
- Physical inactivity
- Excess alcohol and tobacco use
- Long-term stress and poor sleep
- Co-existing conditions: diabetes, chronic kidney disease
If you have one or more risks, make blood-pressure checks part of your routine care.
How hypertension is diagnosed (practical points)
Diagnosis should never be made from a single reading. Best practice:
- Use a validated upper-arm cuff (not wrist devices) and a rested, seated measurement.
- Take two readings one minute apart; record the average.
- If elevated in the clinic, confirm with repeat readings on separate days or with home/ambulatory monitoring.
- Health workers may take baseline blood tests (glucose, cholesterol, kidney function) and an ECG to assess overall risk and choose the right treatment.
National and international guidance provide specific thresholds and follow-up timelines; your clinician will use local guidelines to set treatment targets. See more detail at The Nigerian Hypertension Society.
Treatment: lifestyle first but medication when needed
Most people benefit from lifestyle changes; many people with established hypertension also need medication.
Practical lifestyle steps (doable in Nigeria)
- Reduce salt: aim to cut back on seasoning cubes, processed foods, and table salt. Use herbs, citrus or ground pepper for flavour.
- Eat well: more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and fish; reduce fried and fatty meats.
- Move more: 30 minutes of moderate activity (brisk walking, dancing, cycling) most days. Break activity into short bursts if time is tight.
- Limit alcohol and stop smoking.
- Manage weight: losing even a few kilograms lowers blood pressure.
- Sleep and stress: aim for regular sleep and use breathing, prayer, or short breaks to manage stress.
Medications and follow-up
If lifestyle changes are not enough, safe and effective antihypertensive medicines are widely used. Treatment plans often combine two medicines for better control and adherence. Regular follow-up (monthly after a medication change, then 3 – 6 monthly when stable) and adherence checks are critical. International and Nigerian guidance recommend personalized targets and medication choices based on overall cardiovascular risk and comorbidities.
Practical tips for measuring and tracking blood pressure at home
- Buy a validated, cuff-style home monitor (arm cuff).
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring; no smoking, coffee or exercise just before the test.
- Measure at the same time each day (morning before meds and evening are common).
- Record readings (date/time) and share them with your clinician.
- Bring your home monitor to clinic visits to check accuracy.
When to seek urgent care
Seek immediate medical attention if you measure blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg with symptoms such as severe chest pain, severe headache, confusion, vision changes, weakness or shortness of breath, these may be signs of a hypertensive emergency. Otherwise, contact your healthcare provider promptly for very high or consistently elevated readings.
What organisations (workplaces, schools, communities) can do
- Offer routine BP screening days and healthy-eating initiatives.
- Provide stress-management sessions and encourage physical activity breaks.
- Partner with local clinics for follow-up care and referral pathways.
Community-level screening and affordable treatment programs improve detection and control at scale. Recent national efforts in Nigeria are working to standardize prevention and treatment across primary care settings.
Bottom line: a simple action plan
- Know your numbers: check your blood pressure at least every 3 – 12 months (more often if you have risks).
- Eat less salt, move more, and manage weight.
- Follow your clinician’s advice: take medicines as prescribed and attend follow-ups.
- If you’re an employer or school leader, organise screening and healthy-lifestyle programmes, early detection protects people and productivity.
If you’d like, Pretty Health Care can help your organisation or family with on-site blood-pressure screening, diagnostic checks, counselling and referral. Call +2348114346325 or visit https://prettyhealthcare.com.ng/ to book a Wellness Screening Day or an individual check-up.
