Hypertension Kills Millions Of People Globally – Commissioner

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has stated that hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions of people globally.
Dr. Oreh, who stated this last Friday in Port Harcourt, while addressing newsmen during the commemoration of the 2024 World Hypertension Day, noted that an estimated 46 percent of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition.
“Less than half of adults (42 percent) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated with the disease. It is a major risk factor for health disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions, which many persons are not aware of”, she said.
While emphasising on this year’s theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer”, the Commissioner stressed the need for accurate measurement of blood pressure to control hypertension, especially in low and middle income areas.
According to her, a systematic review with analysis conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018, indicates that while the prevalence of hypertension is 37.2 percent, that of heart disease was about 27 percent.
She further noted that report from WHO shows that about 1.28billion adults (30-79 years) globally are living with hypertension.
The Commissioner, however, urged citizens of the State “to take control of their health, and prioritise regular blood pressure screening, promote healthy lifestyle choices to avoid cases of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other related health conditions that could lead to instant death”.

By: Sogbeba Dokubo