In Nigeria today, a silent crisis is growing. More than 35% of adults with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, are not receiving treatment. Doctors say the main reasons are poverty and the rising cost of medication.
Medical experts are deeply worried. They say more patients are now showing up in hospitals with serious complications like strokes, kidney failure, and heart problems—many of which could have been prevented if they were on proper treatment.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) explains that hypertension happens when the pressure in a person’s blood vessels is too high—specifically, 140/90 mmHg or above.
Although hypertension is common, it can be life-threatening if not treated. WHO lists risk factors such as older age, family history, obesity, lack of exercise, too much salt in food, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Without proper care, high blood pressure can lead to deadly health issues like heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and damage to the kidneys.
Doctors say hypertension cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. The best way is through lifestyle changes—such as better eating habits and exercise—and consistent use of prescribed medications.
Globally, WHO estimates that 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 have hypertension. Sadly, most of these people live in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria.
According to the Nigerian Hypertension Society, between 38% and 42% of adults in Nigeria have hypertension—a figure considered extremely high.
Doctors warn that many people with hypertension don’t show symptoms. But when symptoms do appear, they can include headaches, chest pain, blurry vision, and even shortness of breath.
That’s why regular blood pressure checks are so important. It’s the only sure way to know if your blood pressure is high and needs attention.
Worse still, many Nigerians don’t even know they have hypertension. Doctors caution that untreated high blood pressure can silently damage the body and lead to serious health issues like kidney or heart failure.
Medical experts say hypertension is generally of two types. The first is called primary hypertension, which has no specific cause. The second is secondary hypertension, which results from other health conditions like kidney or hormonal problems.
Dr. Babawale Bello, a kidney specialist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, said the ongoing economic struggles in Nigeria are making it much harder for people to manage their blood pressure.
Dr. Bello, who also teaches at the University of Lagos, said that many Nigerians have stopped buying their medications because the cost has become unbearable. Even those who still try to buy them can’t do so regularly.
He expressed concern that many Nigerians don’t know they have hypertension at all, calling it a “silent killer” because it can damage the body without causing obvious symptoms.
Dr. Bello warned that some people may even die suddenly because they had no idea their blood pressure was dangerously high.
He explained, “Half of Nigerians with hypertension don’t know they have it. Of those who know, only half are on treatment. And of those, only half have it under control.
”He urged patients to speak openly with their doctors if they are struggling to afford medicine. Many times, doctors can suggest more affordable options.
Dr. Bello added that rates of hypertension in Nigeria vary. In rural areas, 20% to 30% of adults have it, while in urban areas the number rises to about 35%.
He advised those with high blood pressure to eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce salt and fatty foods, and exercise regularly. These steps, he said, can help bring blood pressure down naturally.
Professor Ayodele Omotoso, President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, added that 90% to 95% of hypertension cases are the primary type, with the rest being caused by other diseases.
He said the number of people with high blood pressure is rising both in Nigeria and worldwide, especially in poorer countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where the adult prevalence is between 38% and 42%.
Prof. Omotoso said the cost of medication has skyrocketed. As a result, many people living with hypertension are now unable to afford their drugs.
He shared a case where a patient had to ask for cheaper medicine—not because the original one didn’t work, but because its price jumped from ₦2,500 to ₦22,000 within a year.
He pointed out the obvious struggle: with Nigeria’s minimum wage at ₦30,000, it is nearly impossible for someone to spend ₦22,000 a month on just one medication.
Prof. Omotoso warned that some patients, desperate for cheaper options, are now turning to untested herbal remedies and traditional concoctions that may be harmful or ineffective.
He fears this trend will cause more health complications, as patients abandon proven medications for risky alternatives.
His message to Nigerians is simple but urgent: get regular health checks, talk to your doctor, and never stop taking your medication if you have hypertension. It could save your life.
