Hypertension is now common among youths, experts raise alarm

Stakeholders at the 2026 World Hypertension Day outreach and the launch of the Nutrition and Dietetics Services Unit at the University of Ibadan have raised concerns over the growing prevalence of hypertension among young Nigerians, warning that the condition is no longer limited to older adults.

Speaking at the event, Professor Juwon Arotiba, who represented the vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, described hypertension as a major public health challenge often referred to as the “silent killer” because it develops without obvious symptoms until serious complications arise.

He said the newly inaugurated Nutrition and Dietetics Services Unit would provide evidence-based nutrition counselling for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity while also serving as a training centre for students in nutrition and public health.

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Arotiba stressed that tackling hypertension requires collective effort, adding that the university remains committed to preventive healthcare, research and community service.

A family physician and Chairperson of the Oyo State chapter of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Dr Oluyemisi Folasire, expressed concern over the rising incidence of hypertension among youths, noting that lifestyle patterns are driving the trend.

She explained that hypertension occurs when blood vessels become hardened and less flexible, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood around the body.

Folasire disclosed that about 19.1 per cent of Nigerian youths currently have stage one hypertension, describing it as an early warning sign for cardiovascular disease.

According to her, poor dietary habits, stress and increasing consumption of processed foods are key drivers of the condition among young people.

“When blood vessels become unhealthy due to poor diet, stress and lifestyle factors, they begin to harden, leading to hypertension,” she said.

She urged young Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular physical activity and routine medical check-ups.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Rasheed Sanusi warned that prevention remains the most effective approach to controlling hypertension, stressing the importance of early detection and lifestyle modification.

He noted that uncontrolled hypertension can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, stroke and premature death, drawing from clinical experiences in medical practice.

Sanusi called for stronger collaboration among nutritionists, physicians, policymakers and public health experts, saying coordinated action is essential to address the growing burden of the disease.

He also urged intensified public education on modifiable risk factors such as diet, stress and inactivity.

A clinical pharmacist, Dr Evelyn Etsiame, cautioned patients against replacing prescribed antihypertensive drugs with dietary supplements, warning that such practices could result in life-threatening complications.

She stressed that medication remains the primary treatment for diagnosed hypertension, while lifestyle changes should serve only as supportive measures.

“A hypertensive patient should not substitute prescribed medication with supplements. They are complementary, not curative,” she said.

A senior dietitian, Dr Tunde Ajobo, advised against focusing only on salt reduction, explaining that unhealthy fats, alcohol and excessive caffeine intake also contribute significantly to hypertension.

He noted that unhealthy fats promote cholesterol build-up in blood vessels, increasing strain on the heart, while alcohol and caffeinated drinks can disrupt normal blood pressure regulation.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases through preventive healthcare, public awareness campaigns and improved access to services.

Represented by Dr Akinfemi Akinyode, she said hypertension continues to place heavy pressure on families and the healthcare system.

She added that the state government has intensified campaigns on routine blood pressure checks, physical activity, healthy diets and treatment adherence, while also upgrading health facilities across the state’s 351 wards.

The Head of Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr Shirley Ejoh, described the launch of the Nutrition and Dietetics Services Unit as the realisation of a long-standing vision aimed at strengthening nutrition-based healthcare.

She said the initiative would enhance clinical nutrition services and expand training opportunities for health professionals in tackling non-communicable diseases.