Unmute The Menace: Speak Up Against Hypertension

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

There is no denying that lexicographers all agree that the word “silence” refers to the avoidance of mentioning or discussing something. The word “silence” can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it most commonly refers to “the complete absence of sound” or “the state of abstaining from speech.” It can also refer to the avoidance of mentioning or discussing something, as well as a period of silence as a mark of respect for someone who has died.

As a verb, “silence” means to prohibit or prevent someone from speaking, to halt or suppress something, or to prevent the expression of something.

Given the foregoing, it is not an exaggeration to say that one of the issues that has long been treated with abject silence in our modern society is hypertension, also known as the “silent killer”.

Every year on May 17, the world commemorates World Hypertension Day. It is a day set aside to raise public awareness about hypertension and encourage citizens worldwide to prevent and control this silent killer, also known as the modern epidemic.

The 2012 theme is “Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Blood Pressure,” while the 2011 theme is “Know Your Number and Target Your Blood Pressure.” The reason for mentioning themes from previous Day celebrations in this context is not difficult to understand because the themes are always self-explanatory, instructional, and enlightening. Thus, the theme for May 17, 2024, is: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer.”

For the sake of clarity, World Hypertension Day was first established in May 2005 and has since become an annual event around the world.

It is pertinent to note at this point that the late Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, as a minister of health, not only prioritised primary health care but also ensured public awareness and understanding of public health issues relating to primary health care, safe motherhood, child survival, and HIV/AIDS throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. As much as this piece is not intended to be a memorial to the Professor’s earthly journey, which ended on June 1, 2003, it is appropriate to posthumously praise him for his outstanding service as the Minister of Health. It suffices to say that the late Professor lived to give the health sector a direction, and that direction is where the health sector will succeed. Without a doubt, he left a blueprint for the healthcare industry’s future. Unfortunately, it appears that no minister of health has duplicated the template since his death, which was 21 years ago.

Today, as I write this, many Nigerians are unaware that May 17 has been designated as World Hypertension Day each year since 2005, let alone that hypertension is a silent killer.

There is currently a dearth of information on hypertension prevention and management.

The only information Nigerians seem to have about the disease comes from profit-driven herbal medicine vendors who are not afraid to use comedy to sell their products.

As things stand, it is not an exaggeration to say that millions of Nigerians are dying silently from hypertension due to ignorance. The governments, from the local to the federal level, are not raising awareness about the deadly disease. Even if they are raising awareness about the disease, as they admit after reading this article, they are not doing enough to launch an efficient and effective campaign in collaboration with professional communicators in the media.

Many Nigerians are unaware that heart disease and stroke account for a significant proportion of all deaths in the country. Many people are unaware that people with hypertension are at a higher risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, kidney failure, and artery thickening and hardening.

It is very disappointing that our various ministries, departments, and agencies in our health sector, which would have been better positioned to work together to raise awareness about hypertension, also known as the silent killer, are not doing so. In my opinion, the government’s involvement in providing adequate information on this debilitating disease would have gone a long way towards assisting hypertensive patients in managing and lowering their cholesterol and blood pressure. This, without a doubt, would significantly reduce their risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes.

Many people are unaware of the epidemical impact that hypertension has had, particularly on the elderly and vibrant young men and women. To understand the extent of people’s ignorance about hypertension, consider Nigerians’ general attitudes towards hypertension. For example, whenever Mr A. informs Mr B. that he has been diagnosed with hypertension, Mr B. will casually comment that Mr A. is temperamental or concerned about something.

Mr B. may be correct to some extent, but it appears that he is unaware that, in addition to being temperamental and worrying, a variety of factors can increase the risk of developing hypertension. First and foremost, it is healthier for those who smoke to quit, while those who are overweight should lose weight.

Also, those working in white-collar jobs have a habit of sitting for extended periods on non-ergonomic chairs, sometimes from 8 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., without taking a break. They should stop this habit. They can walk around the office or factory on occasion when it is less busy. As widely advocated by health experts, particularly on health-related websites, it is recommended that people develop the culinary habit of eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, with less sugar and fat. People should also avoid saturated fat-rich foods like butter, cheese, fatty meats, yokes, bangers, liver and kidney.

Finally, I am using this medium to urge our healthcare ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), to break their silence on hypertension by informing the public. The most effective way to manage health issues is to implement preventive measures by consistently raising awareness about their prevention and control, rather than using curative measures. Again, this piece encourages action and emphasises the importance of raising awareness about hypertension, the “silent killer.” It would be encouraging for both individuals and authorities to speak out on this critical health issue.