Hypertension kills 10 millions of people yearly worldwide, according to Godfrey Iyalomhe, Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.

He said the blacks are more prone to developing the disease at an early age owing to their genetic or socioeconomic factors.

He said this while delivering the 99^th Inaugural Lecture of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, titled “Combating the hypertension scourge, promoting wellness and longevity: My odyssey”.

Iyalomhe described prehypertension as a state where the Blood Pressure (BP) is slightly higher than normal, either in systolic or diastolic (a warning sign of hypertension or heart disease), while hypertension or High Blood Pressure (BP) is a sustained condition in which the force of the blood against the wall of the arteries is too high.

“Many people who have hypertension are not aware, because, there is no symptoms even as it damage the body

“Hypertension is often more severe in blacks with increased target organ injury and complications. It is the commonest non-communicable disease in Nigeria and a silent killer,” he stated.

Iyalomhe warned that drinking of excessive cold water, anger, and unhealthy lifestyle are some factors that could rise the Blood Pressure, just as he said that eating of balance diet rich with heart-friendly fruits and vegetables would promote wellness and longevity of humans

“Adopting healthy lifestyle such as having regular exercise, quality sleep, not smoking or indulging in alcohol and drug abuse together with embracing laughter and active sense of humour will promote wellness and longevity.

“Regular sex, just like a form of regular exercise, improves hypertension and has beneficial effects on the heart.

“But patients with severe hypertension such as BP up to 180/120 MMHG should consult with healthcare practitioners to control the BP as this condition may predispose to heart attack or acute heart failure during sexual exertion.

“To effectively combat the hypertension scourge and promote wellness and longevity, you must measure your BP, control it and you will live better and longer’, Iyalomhe said.

While recommending that free or highly subsidised antihypertensive drugs be made available in all health facilities across the country, the University don, also called on government at all levels to put in place effective monitoring and surveillance programmes in order to track progress in the prevalence and control of hypertension. (Daily Sun)

•Prof Godfrey Iyalomhe

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