Accurate blood pressure measurement, treatment essential for long-term survival for hypertensive patients

NIGERIANS have been told that by regularly and accurately measuring their blood pressure, and by managing it through medication and lifestyle changes when high levels are detected, they can lead long, healthy lives free from the complications of hypertension, such as stroke.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Hypertension Day 2025, “Measure your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer”, Dr Oladipo Fasan, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS), stated that accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement using the correct technique and equipment is essential for taking appropriate actions when high blood pressure is detected.

Dr Fasan, who is also the coordinator of Nigeria’s May Measurement Month, stated that high blood pressure is primarily asymptomatic, meaning that individuals may have it without being aware.

He stated that a blood pressure check is one of the most common medical examinations conducted in hospitals; however, it is one fraught with a high level of errors.

According to him, obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading requires a minimum of 30 minutes of rest, avoiding stimulants such as coffee, tea, alcohol, and cigarettes, and sitting with their back supported, both feet flat on the floor, and the arm resting on a table at heart level.

Dr Fasan added that the cuff used for measurements must be appropriately sized for each individual, noting that a slim person, a moderately sized person, and a large person might not be able to use the same cuff.

He stated that there may be variations in a person’s blood pressure between their two arms, and the arm with the higher reading should be selected for subsequent blood pressure measurements.

“Whenever and wherever you go, you should inform them that this arm has a higher value. Therefore, it should be used subsequently to check your blood pressure,” he added.

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Dr Fasan explained that some individuals may experience varying blood pressure readings due to a phenomenon known as the “white coat syndrome”, occurs when blood pressure readings stay high as long as the patient is in a hospital setting.

He added that some individuals’ blood pressure can fluctuate based on their environment, including job-related stress, home life, and the consumption of stimulants, alcohol, and smoking, which can lead to elevated blood pressure at home while remaining normal in a hospital setting.

“Blood pressure rises outside of a hospital, home, or office setting, is referred to as masked hypertension. This understanding has led us to place greater emphasis on home readings compared to hospital readings. We call it out-of-hospital readings.

“Everyone should have access to their own standardized blood pressure monitor at home. While home blood pressure monitoring is not the only method, it is one effective way to detect hypertension. Moreover, it tends to correlate more closely with an individual’s actual blood pressure. 

“Studies have shown that home readings are more reflective of a person’s true blood pressure. Therefore, we now emphasize the importance of out-of-hospital readings and educate individuals on how to measure their blood pressure accurately,” he stated.

However, the expert reassured that if individuals monitor their blood pressure, take their medications as prescribed, and receive follow-up care from their physician, they can lead a healthy and fulfilling life despite having hypertension.

 “Once you take your medication regularly, the likelihood is that all else being equal, you should not have a stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, or a heart attack. Consequently, you will live longer.

“The only way to detect it is for individuals to accurately monitor their blood pressure in the comfort of their own homes. However, if any readings indicate that it is above normal, more frequent monitoring should be conducted as advised by the doctor.

“As members of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, it is our responsibility to educate the public and collaborate with policymakers and other NGOs to raise awareness and establish a framework focused on the prevention, early detection, and management of hypertension among Nigerians.”