Kano state government KNSG says the most prevalent Cardiovascular risk factor in the state is hypertension with 28.5% out of which nearly two-thirds 60.7% of the hypertensive were newly discovered.
Kano State Commissioner of Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf made the indication during a media briefing to commemorate the 2024 World Hypertension Day.
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According to him, an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30 – 79 years worldwide have hypertension, while the prevalence rate in Nigeria is 27.6 %.
Dr. Abubakar described Hypertension as a major cause of health problems such as strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease among others.
“Many people who suffer from hypertension are not aware that they have it as there can be no symptoms, often people only find out after suffering a heart attack or stroke”
He stressed that hypertension can be managed and its consequences avoided or delayed with physical activity, healthy diet, maintaining a normal body weight, avoiding tobacco use, regular screening, use of medication and treatment of complications among others.
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“Hypertension which is a non-communicable disease (NCD) refers Hypertension is defined as a sustained elevated blood pressure greater than or equal to140mmHg systolic and/or greater than or equal to 90mmHg diastolic”
The commissioner explained that, as part of the activities to commemorate the 2024 World Hypertension Day, the ministry had set up a volunteer manned screening site in Gwale Local Government Area to check blood pressure.
Dr. Abubakar pointed out that KNSG in collaboration with development partners has recorded tremendous achievement through free screening and provision of subsidized medications for hypertensive patients,enrolment of the vulnerable in the KSCHMA scheme, improved Health Care Financing through KHETFUND and KSCHMA.
“Continuous training of healthcare personnel on the management of hypertension, Strengthening, non-communicable diseases program of the Ministry especially in the management Diabetics and other Non-communicable Diseases”
While commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Emirs of the five emirate councils government ministries and development partners for effective health care delivery, he urged the public to visit the nearest hospital for regular screening to maintain a healthy society.
The 2024 world hypertension days is themed “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer”
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