Medical experts at the University College Hospital have warned Nigerians against sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, stress, and substance abuse amid the rising prevalence of hypertension, especially among young people.
The warning was issued on Monday during a free blood pressure screening and hypertension awareness programme organised by the Cardiology Unit of the hospital to commemorate the 2026 World Hypertension Day.
The event, held at the Medical Outpatient Clinic of the hospital in Ibadan, was aimed at creating awareness about hypertension, encouraging early detection, and promoting healthy lifestyles among Nigerians.
Speaking with journalists during the programme, Consultant Physician and Cardiologist at UCH, Prof. Olulola Oladapo, described hypertension as a silent killer capable of causing severe damage to vital organs when left uncontrolled.
According to her, hypertension occurs when blood pressure becomes persistently elevated above normal levels, often without noticeable symptoms until complications arise.
“Everybody has blood pressure because the heart needs pressure to pump blood around the body. But when that pressure becomes persistently raised above normal, it becomes hypertension. It is silent because many people do not know they have it until serious complications develop,” she said.
Oladapo explained that uncontrolled hypertension could lead to stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, blindness, and other life-threatening complications.
“One of the major organs affected is the brain, where it can cause stroke or massive bleeding. It also damages the kidneys, the eyes, and the heart. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may have existed for years,” she added.
The cardiologist expressed concern over the increasing rate of hypertension among youths and teenagers, attributing the trend to unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, stress, and the growing consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks.
“In the past, hypertension was more common among older people, but now even teenagers are developing it. Many young people consume unhealthy fast foods, sugary drinks, and harmful substances while living under enormous stress,” she stated.
She noted that modern lifestyles have drifted significantly from the healthier habits of previous generations who engaged more in physical activities and consumed natural foods.
“Our forefathers were constantly on the move because they were farmers and hunters. They ate fresh food most of the time. Today, many young people are sedentary and depend heavily on processed and fried foods,” she said.
Oladapo urged Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure, stressing that early detection remains key to preventing complications associated with hypertension.
“If you do not measure it, you will not know. Everybody must know their numbers. Anything above 140 over 90 is hypertension, while readings between 120 and 140 already require preventive lifestyle changes,” she explained.
She advised Nigerians to adopt healthier diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fibre, and whole grains while reducing excessive salt intake and avoiding unhealthy seasonings containing high levels of monosodium glutamate.
According to her, indigenous foods rich in vegetables and roughage remain healthier alternatives to highly processed meals.
She also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 to 40 minutes of brisk walking or moderate exercise several times weekly.
“You must avoid being sedentary. Exercise helps control weight, especially abdominal fat, which is dangerous to cardiovascular health,” she warned.
The consultant further identified smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, inadequate sleep, and environmental pollution as major contributors to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
She warned that pollution from generators, poorly maintained vehicles, and cooking with biomass such as firewood also poses serious health risks.
Oladapo called on government to support healthier lifestyles by improving pedestrian infrastructure, regulating unhealthy food products, reducing access to cigarettes and alcohol, and promoting cleaner energy sources.
“You tell people to walk, but there are no safe walkways. Government must help create environments that encourage healthy living,” she said.
She also urged young people to moderate their expectations, avoid unrealistic social media pressures, and prioritise their health.
“There is no point hustling all your life and losing your health before enjoying the fruits of your labour. Young people must learn to live moderately, sleep well, manage stress, and avoid harmful substances,” she advised.
World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17 as part of the global Hypertension Awareness Month campaign aimed at promoting prevention, early detection, treatment, and control of high blood pressure.
According to global health statistics, hypertension remains one of the leading preventable causes of premature death worldwide, affecting an estimated 1.4 billion people globally.
