Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a growing health crisis in Uganda, yet awareness around the condition remains alarmingly low.

One in four adults in Uganda suffers from hypertension, according to the Uganda Heart Institute, but a staggering 80% of them are unaware of their condition.

This lack of awareness not only leaves individuals at risk but also places a significant burden on Uganda's already strained healthcare system.

As the condition often presents no symptoms, many individuals do not seek medical attention until severe complications, such as heart attacks or strokes, occur.

Denis Musoga, the Head of the Nutrition Department at the Uganda Heart Institute, highlights the urgency of raising awareness and educating the public about lifestyle changes that can prevent and manage hypertension.

He emphasizes the importance of addressing the dietary and behavioral habits that contribute to the rising cases of hypertension, especially among adults in Uganda.

Key lifestyle factors driving the hypertension epidemic include poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a lack of physical activity.

Musoga notes that the foods commonly consumed in Ugandan households, such as those high in saturated fats and salt, significantly contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.

"We need to cut down on saturated fats, particularly from animal products like ghee and cold milk," Musoga stresses.

In addition to reducing unhealthy fats, Musoga advises cutting down on salt, a major contributor to hypertension.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming no more than 5 grams of salt per day, yet many Ugandans far exceed this limit due to their heavy reliance on processed and salty foods.

Salt is everywhere in our meals. We must make a conscious effort to reduce it. By creating awareness about these dietary changes, public health experts hope to curb the rise of hypertension in Uganda and protect future generations from the devastating effects of heart disease.