Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
LAGOS, Nigeria – A leading Nigerian cardiologist has warned that hypertension is increasingly affecting younger Nigerians, raising concerns over growing cases of undiagnosed high blood pressure and sudden cardiovascular deaths across the country.
Former President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, Basden Onwubere, made the disclosure on Thursday ahead of the 2026 World Hypertension Day in Lagos.
According to him, hypertension, once associated mainly with older adults, is now being diagnosed more frequently among Nigerians in their 30s due to changing lifestyles and poor cardiovascular health habits.
“Young people are now coming down with hypertension, which is a disturbing trend compared to the past where older adults in their 50s and above were affected,” he said.
Onwubere stated that more than 40 per cent of Nigerian adults currently live with hypertension, while many remain unaware of their condition because symptoms often appear only after severe complications develop.
“Most people with hypertension do not feel sick. Some may occasionally have headaches or blurred vision, but the majority have no warning signs until complications occur,” he explained.
The cardiologist identified obesity, high salt intake, physical inactivity, stress, family history and ageing as major risk factors contributing to the growing burden of the disease.
He warned that persistent high blood pressure places excessive strain on the heart, arteries, kidneys, brain and eyes, increasing risks of stroke, heart failure and sudden death.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Hypertension Day, “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer,” Onwubere urged Nigerians to prioritise regular blood pressure monitoring and healthier lifestyles.
He also encouraged households to acquire blood pressure machines to improve early detection and routine checks despite prevailing economic difficulties.
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