High blood pressure is often linked to older adults, but it’s becoming a growing concern among young people. With the rise in pre-employment medical screenings, many young folks are getting early diagnoses, especially in urban areas.
These Nigerians share how they manage the condition, offering insights into leading a healthy lifestyle while living with hypertension.
Ibrahim*, 31
I was diagnosed in 2019. I was at my uncle’s place for Sallah; he has this tradition of checking everyone’s blood pressure every morning. My reading was unusually high on the first day, and my uncle initially dismissed it, saying it was anxiety-induced. But the numbers were even higher the next day, so he got worried, mainly because I was only 26 then. We couldn’t go to the hospital because of the break, but he called my mum and insisted she take me to the hospital when I got home. I went to the hospital the following week, and the doctors took my readings daily for a week before confirming I had HBP. Our family has a history of it, so the doctor said it wasn’t strange.
I’ve been on medication for five years now, and there hasn’t been any major health scare. Although I struggled with remembering to take my pills daily in the first two years, now it’s always by my bedside, and it’s the first thing I take when I wake up in the morning.
Bisi*, 29
I got a new job two years ago, and we had to undergo medical checks before the company confirmed our employment. That’s how I found out I had HBP. It was initially tough to accept, especially after learning that it requires lifetime management and significant lifestyle changes. In my head, I was too young to start worrying about things like salt and MSG intake, daily exercise, etc. I always assumed those were concerns for old age. But I’ve tried my best to adopt some of these lifestyle changes. I exercise more, aim for 8k steps daily, and eat healthily. It’s the daily pill I struggle with. Sometimes, I feel this tightness in my chest when I miss it for days, and that’s when I remember to take it.
Johnson*, 35
The hardest part of managing HBP for me is how attentive I’ve had to become with food and prescribed medications whenever I’m sick. I almost met my maker in 2021 when I took diclofenac along with my HBP drugs. It felt like my insides were being ripped apart. I should have informed the doctor I was on blood pressure medication. Now, I’ve become extra cautious when taking other pills. I always make it clear to the doctor that I’m on HBP medication and ask if the drugs can interact without issues. Even after the doctors assure me, I still run to Google with questions like “Can you take XYZ drugs while on blood pressure medication?”
Habib*, 30
I was diagnosed earlier this year, and the only worry I’ve had so far is my erection. Nobody tells you how you don’t get as hard as you used to when you start blood pressure drugs. I remember complaining to the doctor when I first noticed, but he wasn’t helpful. He said something along the lines of choosing my health over sex. I’ve had my medication changed twice, but the last doctor I saw mentioned that HBP itself could affect my erection. It has affected how enthusiastic I am about sex. I’m always worried about underperforming. I know there’s the option to take medically prescribed sexual enhancers, but I’m not keen on adding yet another medication to what I already take.
Busola*, 33
I was diagnosed with HBP after I had my first child in 2022. Initially, my doctor said it was common for some women to develop postpartum hypertension. Still, after about three months of constant check-ups and medication, there was little to no change. My mum is late, and my dad isn’t really in the picture, so it’s not exactly easy to trace the history in our family. I haven’t felt any difference since I started the medication. I try to embrace healthy eating habits and exercise as much as possible. I can’t say I don’t have cheat days or days I couldn’t care less, but so far, so good, I do my best. I also have my blood pressure machine at home. Ideally, I should check it every day, but that’s too much anxiety to deal with. I try to check it thrice a week and keep a record of the readings.
Read this next: Travelling Abroad Made Me Realise Sickle Cell Wasn’t My Fault
