A Consultant Physician at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Dr. Samuel Ajayi, has advised Nigerians to consider reducing their salt intake as a means to prevent hypertension.
Speaking in an interview in Ibadan on Thursday, Dr. Ajayi said that it is important adopting a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, along with maintaining adequate hydration by consuming a minimum of three liters of water daily.
These lifestyle changes, he noted, can play a significant role in regulating blood pressure levels and promoting overall cardiovascular health among Nigerians.
According to the Consultant Physician, reducing alcohol intake, losing weight, if overweight or obese, exercising regularly, cutting down on caffeine consumption and cessation of smoking can also help in reducing high blood pressure.
“There are several medications that can be used. However, doctors can choose certain medications, depending on age, the presence of other diseases like diabetes or the presence of complications of hypertension, such as heart failure or kidney disease.
“It is also important to have regular blood pressure checks and regular follow-ups with doctors,” he said.
The consultant physician listed things that could increase the risk of hypertension including being overweight, eating too much salt and not eating enough fruits and vegetables.
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Others, he said, were: not exercising, drinking too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks), smoking, being stressed, aged over 65, having a relative with high blood pressure and being of the black race.
He said in about 10 to 15 per cent of cases, hypertension happened as a result of an underlying health condition or taking certain medicine.
Ajayi said that health conditions that could cause hypertension included: kidney disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea (where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep) and interruption of normal breathing.
“There are some medicines that can increase blood pressure, which are: contraceptive pills, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen.
“There are also some pharmacy cough and cold remedies, some herbal remedies, particularly those containing liquorice, and some recreational drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines like Molly.
“In these cases, the blood pressure may return to normal once the drugs are stopped,” he said.
Ajayi also explained that when the blood pressure was too high, it put extra strain on the blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
“Persistent high blood pressure can increase the risk of many serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
“Reducing blood pressure by even a small amount can help lower the risk of these health conditions,” the consultant physician said.
NAN
