Medical professionals have issued a strong warning to individuals diagnosed with hypertension, cautioning them against the dangerous practice of halting their medications without expert guidance. They stressed that taking unsupervised breaks from prescribed drugs—often referred to as “drug holidays”—can significantly disrupt the management of high blood pressure and lead to severe health consequences, including heart attacks, strokes, and even premature death.
This cautionary message was delivered during a public health awareness campaign organized to commemorate World Hypertension Day 2025, an event hosted by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in collaboration with New Heights Pharma Limited and supported by Omron Healthcare, a company known for distributing validated blood pressure monitoring devices across Nigeria.
World Hypertension Day: Raising Awareness Amid a Silent Epidemic
Celebrated globally on May 17, World Hypertension Day aims to boost public understanding of high blood pressure, advocate for early detection, and promote proper management practices. The theme for 2025—“Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!”—highlights the importance of consistent monitoring and treatment as a pathway to healthier, longer lives.
In Nigeria, hypertension continues to surge, posing a growing public health threat. Medical professionals believe the rise can be attributed to poor lifestyle choices, limited access to affordable healthcare, and a lack of awareness.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension—defined as having a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher—is a leading cause of heart disease and premature death. The WHO notes that globally, 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 suffer from the condition, with nearly 46 percent unaware they are hypertensive. Low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, account for the majority of these cases.
Risk factors cited by the WHO include ageing, hereditary factors, poor diet, obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive salt consumption, and alcohol intake.
Medication Compliance Is Critical to Survival
Dr. Sunday Ogundele, an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Consultant Physician at LASUTH, emphasized the dangers of abandoning blood pressure medications without professional advice. He explained that many patients wrongly assume they are cured once their blood pressure stabilizes, leading them to discontinue their treatment.
“We don’t recommend drug holidays. When your blood pressure is under control, it doesn’t mean hypertension is gone. It simply means the medication is doing its job. Once you stop taking it, the numbers climb back up and put you at risk,” Ogundele explained.
He further noted that hypertension, particularly primary or essential hypertension, typically requires lifelong management, even when patients make lifestyle changes such as exercising or altering their diets. Medical reviews are often scheduled every three to four months, or even every two weeks for more severe cases, to ensure optimal control and adjust medications as needed.
“Yes, we do modify doses sometimes based on the patient’s response, but rarely do we stop medication altogether. That would put the patient at risk,” he added.
Financial Barriers Limit Access to Proper Care
Dr. Ogundele also highlighted one of the key challenges facing hypertensive patients in Nigeria: the high cost of healthcare. In a country where out-of-pocket payments dominate healthcare financing, many patients are forced to make painful choices between buying food and purchasing life-saving drugs.
“It’s unfortunate, but in our healthcare reality, people often prioritize eating over buying their medication. That’s the struggle with a system that doesn’t provide widespread financial support for chronic conditions,” he said.
Younger Adults Increasingly at Risk
Dr. Folasade Daniels, a Consultant Cardiologist at LASUTH, stressed the growing prevalence of hypertension among young adults, especially those leading sedentary lives. She emphasized the importance of regular health checks to identify the condition before it leads to irreversible complications.
“Many young people don’t know they have high blood pressure until they show up in the emergency room with a stroke. You won’t know your status unless you measure it,” she warned.
Dr. Daniels urged Nigerians to make healthier lifestyle choices, which include eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting salt and sugar intake, and engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
She also noted that individuals with a family history of hypertension face a higher risk and should be more proactive in monitoring their blood pressure.
“Hypertension is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It’s a lifelong journey that requires intentional, continuous management. If it runs in your family, you need to be especially vigilant,” she added.
LASUTH Reinforces Commitment to Cardiovascular Care
Prof. Adetokunbo Fabanwo, Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, reiterated the hospital’s commitment to combating hypertension and its complications. Speaking through Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, Director of Clinical Services and Training, he stated that the hospital boasts some of the finest specialists and facilities dedicated to managing cardiovascular illnesses.
“Hypertension is a silent killer, and we’ve invested in having the right professionals and equipment to diagnose and treat it before it leads to devastating outcomes,” he said.
Emphasis on Self-Monitoring with Trusted Tools
Adding to the conversation, Taiwo Oladitan, Product Manager at New Heights Pharma Limited, encouraged Nigerians to not only keep an eye on their blood pressure but also monitor related health indicators such as blood glucose levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), and visceral fat.
She recommended using clinically validated devices for self-monitoring and highlighted that Omron Healthcare offers a range of such products available in pharmacies and online stores nationwide.
“Knowing your health numbers is the first step toward preventing complications. Owning a reliable monitor and using it regularly can help detect problems early and save lives,” Oladitan emphasized.
Conclusion: Prevention and Consistency Remain Key
As World Hypertension Day 2025 draws attention to a condition that continues to claim millions of lives annually, experts in Nigeria have reinforced a clear and urgent message: hypertension may be silent, but it is deadly—and preventable. The key lies in regular monitoring, lifelong treatment, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Patients are urged to stay in touch with their healthcare providers, avoid self-medication or abrupt treatment stoppages, and treat their health as a lifelong investment—because in the case of hypertension, what you don’t know—or ignore—can kill you.
