World Hypertension Day: High salt intake and inactive lifestyles are cautioned by experts

World Hypertension Day

Emmanuel Ekanem, an Associate Professor of Community Medicine at the University of Uyo and a Co-Investigator in the MAP-IT program's Cardiovascular Unit, urged all adults, particularly those in rural areas, to regularly monitor their blood pressure at local primary health care centers for potential anti-hypertension treatment and counseling.

On World Hypertension Day, experts cautioned against the excessive use of salt, tobacco, alcohol, inactive lifestyles, and other behaviors that could lead to the development or exacerbation of high blood pressure.

During a community awareness campaign in Obot Akara and Itu Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, which marked World Hypertension Day with the theme "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer," researchers from the "Managing Hypertension Among People Living with HIV - An Integrated Model" (MAP-IT) at the University of Abuja advised against these practices.

Emmanuel Ekanem, an Associate Professor of Community Medicine at the University of Uyo and a Co-Investigator in the MAP-IT program's Cardiovascular Unit, urged all adults, particularly those in rural areas, to regularly monitor their blood pressure at local primary health care centers for potential anti-hypertension treatment and counseling.

Ekanem highlighted that hypertension is prevalent in communities, especially among individuals with HIV, which is why MAP-IT is focusing on rural areas and the HIV-positive population.

He revealed that the hypertension prevalence rate in Akwa Ibom ranges from 33 to 34 percent, meaning about 34 out of every 100 adults have high blood pressure.

Ekanem explained that MAP-IT aims to decentralize blood pressure management to rural areas by simplifying treatment for uncomplicated hypertension at primary health care centers and referring severe cases to secondary health care facilities.

He emphasized the importance of health awareness, advising even non-hypertensive individuals to modify their lifestyles. He recommended reading food labels for sodium content, minimizing alcohol and tobacco consumption, and noting that the World Health Organization advises against any alcohol consumption.

Evelyn Eyo, a Practice Facilitator for MAP-IT, stressed the role of weight management in controlling blood pressure and warned that unmanaged hypertension could result in strokes, heart attacks, kidney which could increase blood pressure. She also cautioned against the consumption of fats that are typically discarded and the practice of adding salt to foods like tapioca and pawpaw, which can be harmful.

Grace Uyio, another MAP-IT Practice Facilitator, encouraged individuals to take proactive steps regarding their health and diet. She emphasized that adults over 18 are at risk of developing high blood pressure and should regularly monitor it to avoid risk factors.

Uyio also aimed to correct misconceptions about hypertension and strokes, clarifying that they are not caused by supernatural forces but are cardiovascular diseases that can be detected and managed early. She highlighted the importance of seeking medical attention rather than alternative treatments when symptoms arise.

She observed that in markets, some individuals purchase animal fats meant for disposal, and others add salt to certain fruits, both of which are unhealthy practices. Uyio's message was clear: awareness and lifestyle changes are key in managing and preventing hypertension.

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