According to a 2019 study, over 50% of the adult population in Lagos has hypertension.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a health condition where your blood pressure is higher than normal. Your blood pressure naturally rises and falls throughout the day, but if it stays high for an extended period of time, it can cause damage to your heart and increase your risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. Hypertension is a serious condition; however, because hypertension often has no symptoms in the early stages, many people don't even realize they are hypertensive. This is why hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer”.

Here are 4 steps you can take today to reduce your risk of developing hypertension.

Increase Your Daily Physical Activities

Daily exercise and other physical activities can improve your blood pressure and reduce your risk of hypertension. 

Eat Healthy

Increase your consumption of fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reduce your intake of salt, processed foods, and saturated fats. Eating healthy is key to taking control of your blood pressure.

Know Your Numbers

Knowledge is power. Measuring your blood pressure frequently will let you and your healthcare provider track your blood pressure over time and allow you to address hypertension early if it develops.

Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Usage

Smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption are both risk factors for hypertension. If you don’t currently drink or smoke, don’t start, and if you do, talk to your healthcare provider about how to quit smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption.