……advice to those living with the disease on precautions
By Fatima Saka
Globally, more than one billion people worldwide are living with hypertension and this represents more than 30% of the adult population, say’s Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry Of Health And Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
The minister stressed that of these groups of people living with hypertension, only 52% are aware of their condition while 35% are on treatment and less than 14% have their blood pressure controlled.
Pate disclosed this during ministerial press briefing as the ministry marks the 2024 World Hypertension Day, Thursday in Abuja.
The Coordinating Minister inclined worried over the numbers of people affected with this disease, ‘It is worrisome that the burden of hypertension is disproportionately more in the low- and middle-income countries in recent decades due to increase in risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and harmful alcohol consumption.”
He added that the high burden is further accentuated by the high proportion of persons that are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk of avoidable medical complications and death.
Prof Pate further reiterated that the disease hypertension is preventable and can easily be detected and treated, adding that its control is paramount to reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.
He advises those on treatment to avoid the temptation of stopping your medication and follow up without advice by your doctor or the health care worker attending to you. “Note that generally, adoption of a healthy lifestyle is an integral strategy that should be practiced by all. I urge you all to: “Engaging in physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes daily. For instance, use the stairs instead of the elevator, trekking instead of taking the bus for short distances.
“Physical activity relieves stress, keeps you fit, controls body weight, and lowers heart disease and stroke risk. Avoid tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke.
“Avoid drinking alcohol, or if you must drink, make sure it is in moderation, and drink a lot of water. Eat a healthy diet containing a minimum of 5 servings of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables spread over each day.
“In addition, eat a variety of whole grains, lean meat, fish, peas, beans, and lentils. Avoid processed foods, limit salt intake to less than 5 grams (1 teaspoon) daily, and reduce dietary cholesterol and avoid industrially produced trans-fats.
Know your numbers by regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.”
Pro Pate, also commended the development partners for their zeals in fighting this diseases, “it is important to remind us that winning the war against hypertension is a joint responsibility; therefore, let me use this opportunity to appreciate the World Health Organization, Resolve To Save Lives, AstraZeneca, Population Services International, University of Abuja Cardiovascular Research Unit, Nigerian Heart Foundation and other partners collaborating with the FMOH to reduce the burden of hypertension and other NCDs in Nigeria.
“Let me also inform the general public that in marking this year’s World Hypertension Day, my Ministry will be carrying out free hypertension screening and counseling for Public/Civil Servants in and around the Federal Secretariat Complex tomorrow. You are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and get screened to know your blood pressure numbers,” the Coordinating Minister of Health
