Know your numbers, Hypertension

Hypertension

Untreated hypertension is one of the leading causes of early death worldwide. Hypertension is a very prevalent chronic disease particularly among our sub-Saharan population. It is estimated that by age 25, close to half of black population already have hypertension. Unfortunately, most people do not know that they have hypertension. Left untreated, hypertension can have devastating consequences later in life. Untreated hypertension can affect every single organ in the body but most commonly affects the heart, kidneys and brain. Hypertension is one of the common causes of stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and congestive heart failure.

Know your numbers seeks to empower our patient population so that they check their blood pressure regularly and keep tract of their numbers. Our facility offers free blood pressure screening and consultation so please come in at any time and have your blood pressure checked for free.

The appropriate blood pressure is individualized depending on patient’s age and medical history. It is generally accepted that the ideal blood pressure should be 120/80 or lower. If your blood pressure is higher than this, please talk to your doctor or come into our facility for free blood pressure consultation.

Written by Dr. Temitayo Odesanya.