In celebration of World Hypertension Day (WHD) and May Measurement Month, New Heights Pharmaceuticals, Omron Business, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) joined forces to promote awareness and early detection of hypertension, a condition often called the “silent killer” because many people live with it unaware until serious complications occur.
Hypertension remains a significant health threat in Nigeria, increasing risks of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death. The collaboration between LASUTH, New Heights Pharma, and Omron underlines the importance of awareness, lifestyle change, early detection, and consistent management.
May Measurement Month and World Hypertension Day serve as important yearly reminders that knowing your numbers can save lives. Nigerians are encouraged to prioritise cardiovascular health by regularly checking their blood pressure, adopting healthier lifestyles, and seeking professional care when necessary.
On Monday, 19 May, hundreds of LASUTH staff and visitors participated in free health screenings held at multiple locations within the hospital. The checks included blood pressure measurements, blood sugar testing, and assessments of height and weight. Medical doctors were available for immediate consultations, lifestyle advice, and, when needed, provided medications donated by supporting pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Folashade Daniel, cardiologist and lecturer at Lagos State College of Medicine, emphasised the critical role of early detection in preventing hypertension complications.
“Hypertension is silent, you don’t know you have it unless you check your blood pressure. Everyone, including young people, should measure their blood pressure regularly, especially as sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits are increasing hypertension rates among the youth,” she said.
Dr. Daniel noted that many Nigerians spend most of their day sitting with little physical activity, which significantly raises their risk of developing hypertension. She noted that unless people intentionally exercise, their risk rises, stressing that uncontrolled hypertension often leads to strokes, including in younger adults.
The May Measurement Month initiative sets up blood pressure monitoring stations across LASUTH, including in front of the MRC building, the old admin block, and under the Faculty of Basic and Medical Sciences. The initiative also featured a community webinar addressing myths and facts about hypertension.
Professor Adebowale O. Adekoya director of Clinical Services and Training at LASUTH, who represented the LASUTH Chief Medical Director Prof. Olatokunbo Fabamwo, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to preventive healthcare: he said “This campaign aligns with our goal of identifying and managing hypertension early to avoid complications. We encourage regular health monitoring beyond May because health isn’t seasonal. Busy staff and patients alike need accessible ways to keep track of their wellbeing.”
He highlighted LASUTH’s advancement in cardiovascular care, with the hospital now a major referral center for hypertension-related complications. He praised the Cardiology Unit, for its pioneering work, including the use of a unique Catheterization Laboratory and its accreditation as a training center for cardiothoracic surgery by the West African College of Surgeons.
“We are expanding our team with a new cardiothoracic surgeon and have six stroke consultants and five neurosurgeons managing complex stroke cases,” he said.
He also lauded the Lagos State Government’s investments aimed at improving local healthcare services, thereby reducing medical tourism.
“WHD reminds us all that prevention is better than cure. Knowing your blood pressure can literally save your life.”
Dr. Sunday Ogundele, consultant physician and clinical pharmacologist, elaborated on hypertension’s prevalence and causes in Nigeria saying “hypertension affects up to 34 per cent of adults in some urban centers. According to him, primary hypertension, which has no single identifiable cause, is genetically influenced and worsened by salt sensitivity common among people of African descent. He noted that secondary hypertension, caused by kidney or hormonal problems, is less common but sometimes curable.
Dr. Ogundele stressed the importance of lifelong treatment saying “Many patients think they are cured when their blood pressure is controlled and stop medication on their own, which causes dangerous spikes. Continuous medical follow-up and lifestyle modifications are crucial.”
He also addressed cultural challenges in health management. He said “Because healthcare is often paid out-of-pocket, Nigerians tend to delay routine check-ups, prioritizing immediate needs over prevention, but routine medical checks are vital for early detection and avoiding serious disease.”
On her part, the Product Manager for New Heights Pharmaceuticals’ Omron business, Mrs Taiwo Oladitan highlighted the role of her company in providing affordable and clinically validated blood pressure monitors to Nigerians.
She said “We urge Nigerians to continually check their blood pressure. As we are commemorating WHD 2025, we are asking every Nigerian to please check their blood pressure. The only way you can know your blood pressure, know your numbers, is to check. Not only check your blood pressure, you must know your numbers accordingly. And those numbers include your blood pressure, your blood glucose level, your BMI, your visceral fat. All these numbers are important that every citizen of Nigeria should know”.
“And if you are checking your blood pressure, you should check with a clinically validated blood pressure monitor. Our devices allow easy home monitoring, helping people track their blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI. This empowers patients to share data with healthcare providers for better management. In Nigeria, OMRON is offering clinically validated blood pressure monitors across the states of Nigeria. So you have our devices distributed in pharmacies and online close to you. So you need to pick one and have a device at home. They are affordable and easy to operate”.
 and May Measurement Month, New Heights Pharmaceuticals, Omron Business, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH){kind=link}