Mirian Gom 
Abuja, Nigeria — Medical experts warn that hypertension has reached alarming levels in Nigeria, with four in ten adults now living with the condition.
The warning comes as the Nigerian Cardiac Society opens its 54th annual general meeting in Abuja in partnership with the Pan-African Society of Cardiology on Monday.
“Almost four out of every ten adult Nigerians are hypertensive, and this is alarming,” said Prof Augustine Odili, President of the NCS. “Hypertension is a key driver of heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and other fatal cardiovascular illnesses.”
The World Health Organisation identifies cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as the world’s leading killer, responsible for 17.7 million deaths in 2015—31 per cent of all global fatalities.
Africa is recording the fastest-rising rate, driven by poor exercise habits, lifestyle changes, obesity, and fragile health systems.
President of PASCAR, Prof Elijah Ogola, noted: “The rate of cardiovascular diseases in Africa is the highest globally. In Kenya, more than half of public hospital admissions are linked to CVDs.”
Doctors warn that prolonged pregnancies, poor nutrition, and lack of awareness worsen outcomes, particularly for women.
Experts call for preventive action through public awareness, healthier lifestyles, and stronger healthcare delivery.
The conference, themed: “Cost-effective interventions to mitigate the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Africa,” runs from September 15–19, bringing together African and diaspora specialists.
“If we prevent diabetes and hypertension, we reduce the need for costly interventions,” Odili added.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
