Key Takeaways
- Hypertension is increasingly being diagnosed among young Nigerians, with studies showing a prevalence range of one in 12 to one in three adolescents and young adults.
- Without early detection and intervention, young people with hypertension face a greater risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure later in life.
- A recent digital campaign, #PressureCheck, aimed to raise awareness among young Nigerians about the importance of knowing their blood pressure numbers and adopting healthier lifestyles.
According to Registered Dietitian and Founder/Executive Director of the DexaDiet Sustainability Initiative (DSI), Bolanle Dada, hypertension can no longer be regarded as a disease of old age, as it is now being diagnosed among adolescents and young adults. Dada warned that without early detection and intervention, these young individuals face a greater risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure later in life.
Citing studies conducted across Nigeria, Dada flagged the trend as a major source of concern, especially with nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s population below the age of 30. The steady rise in early-onset hypertension threatens public health and the future workforce and long-term economic development, she warned. Many university students depend on inexpensive processed meals, consume large quantities of energy drinks during examination periods, and endure prolonged stress, all of which contribute to the growing burden of hypertension.
Efforts to Improve Awareness
As part of efforts to improve awareness, DSI recently wrapped up a two-week digital campaign tagged #PressureCheck, aimed at encouraging young Nigerians to know their blood pressure numbers, understand their risk factors, and adopt healthier lifestyles. Throughout the campaign, the organisation shared daily educational content on blood pressure awareness, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and the importance of early screening across various social media platforms.
Dada insisted that awareness alone will not be enough to reverse the trend. She called for stronger collaboration among government at all levels, healthcare providers, educational institutions, employers, civil society organisations, researchers, and the media. She also urged policymakers to create healthier food environments, strengthen nutrition education, expand access to preventive healthcare services, and support programmes that encourage healthy living among young people.
Her appeal comes as implementation of Nigeria’s hypertension resolution gathers pace. The resolution seeks to strengthen the prevention, early detection, and treatment of high blood pressure as part of broader efforts to curb the country’s rising burden of non-communicable diseases. Every conversation, every screening, every healthy meal, and every informed decision can help prevent unnecessary illness and save lives, Dada said.
Why This Matters
The growing burden of hypertension among young Nigerians demands urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public. By working together to create healthier environments, improve nutrition education, and expand access to preventive healthcare services, Nigeria can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, and promote a healthier and more productive workforce for the future.
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