A Consultant Cardiologist and former President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Enugu State chapter, Dr. Esther Ekwe, has urged Nigerians to embrace regular blood pressure checks, exercise, healthy dieting and lifestyle changes in order to reduce the risk of hypertension.
Dr. Ekwe made this known while speaking on the programme, Beyond the Headline, aired on Freedom Square TV, hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke Ph.D. The discussion centered on the topic, “Hypertension.”
According to Dr. Ekwe, hypertension remains one of the most dangerous non-communicable diseases globally, describing it as a “silent killer” because many people living with the condition are unaware they have it until complications arise.
She explained that hypertension occurs when the pressure in the arteries becomes excessively high while supplying blood to vital organs of the body.
“Blood pressure is usually defined in numbers. Generally, normal blood pressure should not be above 140/90, although people with conditions such as diabetes may require stricter values like 130/80 or 120/80,” she said.
The cardiologist noted that prolonged high blood pressure can lead to severe organ damage, including damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels.
Dr. Ekwe further explained that hypertension cannot be diagnosed from a single reading. According to her, blood pressure must be checked under proper conditions, including when the patient is calm, seated for several minutes, and has not recently consumed alcohol, caffeine, smoked cigarettes or undergone stress.
She added that blood pressure readings should be taken repeatedly and in different positions before confirming that an individual has hypertension.
“As people go about their daily activities, blood pressure fluctuates naturally. But when it remains consistently high in a rested state, then hypertension can be diagnosed,” she explained.
Speaking on chronic hypertension, Dr. Ekwe stated that the condition develops when the heart continuously pumps against high resistance over a long period, causing the heart muscles to enlarge and weaken over time.
Responding to questions from the programme host on the relationship between uncontrolled hypertension and stroke, the medical expert reiterated that hypertension often shows no early symptoms.
“The first sign of high blood pressure may actually be the complication itself — stroke, blindness, kidney failure, glaucoma or even sudden death,” she warned.
She explained that high blood pressure in the brain can cause blood vessels to rupture, resulting in what is known as hemorrhagic stroke.
Dr. Ekwe also dismissed the belief that hypertension affects only elderly people, revealing that more young adults are now being diagnosed with the condition.
According to her, studies have shown increasing cases of hypertension among adults between the ages of 18 and 40 years, adding that research conducted in Enugu recorded prevalence rates as high as 21.3 percent.
She stressed that many individuals living with hypertension remain unaware of their condition until they suffer a collapse, stroke or heart attack. The consultant cardiologist therefore emphasized the importance of regular blood pressure testing and early medical evaluation.
On the causes of hypertension, Dr. Ekwe explained that the condition can either be primary or secondary. She said primary hypertension is hereditary and often runs in families, while secondary hypertension may result from kidney disease, vascular disease, arteriosclerosis, cholesterol build-up in blood vessels and more.
She also spoke on pregnancy-induced hypertension, noting that hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger high blood pressure in some women. According to her, while some cases return to normal after childbirth, others may persist permanently.
Highlighting lifestyle factors, Dr. Ekwe identified excessive salt intake, poor diet and consumption of saturated fats as major contributors to hypertension.
She advised Nigerians to reduce sodium intake, consume more fruits and vegetables, and adopt plant-based proteins as part of healthier dietary habits.
The cardiologist further linked poor sleep and sleep apnea to hypertension, encouraging people to maintain proper sleeping habits.
She also recommended isotonic exercises at least three times weekly, noting that regular exercise helps the body eliminate excess sodium through sweating.
Dr. Ekwe cautioned against self-medication, warning that individuals should never take another person’s hypertension drugs because medications are prescribed based on proper medical evaluation.
Speaking on low blood pressure, she described it as being more deadlier and noted that readings below 100/60 could also pose health risks and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Dr. Ekwe concluded by urging Nigerians to make regular blood pressure checks a priority in order to detect hypertension early and prevent life-threatening complications. She also emphasized the importance of positive lifestyle changes, including avoiding stress, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and completely avoiding alcohol consumption for individuals who have not started drinking. According to her, healthy living, regular exercise, proper sleep and balanced dieting remain key steps in preventing and managing hypertension.