Strategies for Prevention and Control of Hypertension in Nigeria Rural Communities
M. I. Ofili and B. P. NcamaSchool of Nursing and Public Health, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: isiomamary@yahoo.com
Abstract: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is presently one of the most important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. In 2002, World Health Organization, (WHO), reported that hypertension causes one in every eight deaths worldwide making the disease the third killer in the world and more than 30 million people in Africa have hypertension. Hypertension increases the risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke and kidney dysfunction. Cultural perception has been identified to affect disease progression and management. Several developed and developing nations including Nigeria have adopted various initiatives to prevent and/or manage hypertension. However, the success of such strategies need to be constantly assessed and adjustments made if it becomes imperative.
Keywords: Hypertension; Heart; Kidney; High bloodpressure; Nigeria; Stroke Back to TOC