A family health physician, Tolu Oladapo, says the cases of hypertension are now rapidly increasing in Nigeria even though many are not aware of the serious medical condition.
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“Hypertension is increasingly becoming common in Nigeria, and in most cases, the patients are not aware,” Mrs Oladapo said in an interview on Wednesday.
Nonetheless, she said eating a healthy diet could help to lower high blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension.
Mrs Oladapo explained that a high sodium, salt, and cholesterol diet could cause hypertension.
“Sodium is a mineral that regulates fluid balance. When you consume more sodium than your body needs, it tries to flush it out, drawing more water into your blood,” stated the physician.
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She described high blood pressure as a chronic health problem without causing symptoms.
“Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms, and it often develops slowly. This is why it is called a silent killer. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet,” she stressed. “Diet should contain vegetables, fish and eggs, while meat products and alcohol are reduced.”
Via News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)