Medical professionals have expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians in their late 20s and 30s being diagnosed with hypertension, warning that the trend poses a major threat to the nation’s young and productive population.
A Consultant Cardiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Adisa Adams, described the situation as alarming, noting that high blood pressure, previously common among the elderly is now increasingly found among young adults.
Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, Adams referred to hypertension as a “silent killer,” stressing that its rising prevalence among the youth is leading to avoidable deaths and long-term complications such as stroke, kidney failure, and heart disease.
Hypertension No Longer an Old-Age Disease
“In my early years of medical practice, hypertension was mostly seen among people aged 50 and above. But now, we are treating patients between 28 and 35 years old with severe high blood pressure,” Adams said.
He attributed the development to poor lifestyle choices, ignorance, and the widespread misconception among young people that they are immune to illness.
“Young Nigerians often believe they are too strong to fall ill. Many don’t go for routine medical check-ups or take preventive measures. The lack of public enlightenment has made the situation worse,” he added.
Global and Local Alarms
A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report revealed that over 1.3 billion adults worldwide live with hypertension, with nearly half unaware of their condition. In Nigeria, medical studies indicate that about 25 percent of emergency hospital admissions in major cities are related to hypertension complications.
Dr. Adams warned that many cases of sudden death among young people are linked to undiagnosed heart problems. “We’ve seen young men collapse while jogging, in the gym, or even in their sleep. These deaths could have been prevented if they had known their health status,” he said.
He advised Nigerians to start medical check-ups from the age of 28, adding that the absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of disease.
A Lagos businessman, Mr. Jude Madukwe, recalled how his 39-year-old brother-in-law, Mr. Alex Obiora, died suddenly while watching the 2024 AFCON semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa.
“He was healthy and cheerful that evening, cheering the Super Eagles. Suddenly, he slumped and couldn’t be revived. His death was a big shock to us,” Madukwe said.
Emotional Stress and Heart Failure
Another cardiologist, Dr. Ramon Moronkola of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), explained that emotional stress—whether from excitement or grief—can trigger cardiac arrest in people with underlying health issues.
“During football matches, people experience intense emotions that can spike blood pressure. For someone with untreated hypertension or diabetes, this can lead to a heart attack or sudden death,” Moronkola said.
He added that when a person’s cardiovascular system is healthy, emotional surges rarely cause harm. However, those with undiagnosed heart conditions are at higher risk of fatal outcomes.
Both experts advised Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, reduced salt intake, better stress management, and periodic medical screenings.
“The reality is simple,” Adams said. “Hypertension kills quietly but it is preventable. Early detection and lifestyle changes can save lives and prevent families from mourning avoidable deaths.”
