Exploring the Link between Air Pollution and High Blood Pressure in Nigeria

If you live in Nigeria, “high blood pressure” is a buzzword you’ll hear often. Unlike other common illnesses in Africa like malaria which has more obvious symptoms including a sweaty fever and nausea, high blood pressure or hypertension does not invoke many visible signs. Thus, it is not difficult to understand why many adults are often plagued by the worry of being affected.

In contrast, air pollution is a topic rarely spoken about. Every day, folks ignore the exhaust fumes from rickety vehicles and smoke from burning mounds of garbage on the streets the same way they ignore many of the country’s problems in order to focus on etching out a living. But could air pollution be contributing to the health conditions of the populace?

High blood pressure is a subtle illness that creates tension in the blood vessels and consequently overworks the heart (to define it in simple language). It can exist for many years without being detected. The eventual consequences can be fatal with the victim experiencing a heart attack or stroke. It requires early detection and in a country like mine where poverty is common and only about 4% of Nigerians are covered by health insurance, most go about their daily routines ignorant of their health statuses.