Preventing the silent killer: hypertension’s impact in Cameroon

High blood pressure, often referred to as the silent killer, claims over 17,000 lives each year across Cameroon. This prevalent health condition affects approximately one in three adults nationwide. Notably, its incidence is significantly higher in urban centers such as Yaoundé and Douala compared to more rural or semi-urban localities. Current data indicates that nearly 39% of individuals aged between 25 and 70 years are living with hypertension.

According to Dr. Djoumessi Romance, a rhythmologist cardiologist at Biyem-Assi District Hospital in Yaoundé, the surge in cases observed in recent years can be attributed to evolving lifestyle habits adopted by many citizens. “Cameroonians have increasingly embraced diets excessively rich in salt and fats. We also see frequent and elevated consumption of alcohol and tobacco. These factors, combined with genetic predispositions and age, contribute to a rapidly expanding curve of cases,” he explained.

Thousands of patients are grappling with this condition in Yaoundé alone. During my reporting, I encountered an octogenarian still undergoing treatment in the Nkolbikok neighborhood, located in the sixth arrondissement.

Faustin Onana Ebodé shared his harrowing experience of suffering a stroke. “I narrowly escaped death. That day, I returned home as usual, and around 10 PM, I felt an intense pressure. Immediately, I lost the ability to speak, and my entire left side became unresponsive. My life was saved thanks to the swift action of my wife, who is a nurse and quickly rushed me to the hospital. I was, in fact, suffering from hypertension without even realizing it,” he recounted.

Public health bodies, including the Ministry of Public Health and the Cameroonian Society of Cardiology, consistently issue warnings, emphasizing the critical need for Cameroonians to modify their lifestyles and undergo early screening. Regular monitoring is key to **Cameroon hypertension prevention**.

It is strongly advised that individuals have their blood pressure checked at least twice a year to mitigate the risk of various complications should the disease be detected.