A consultant cardiologist, Professor Chizindu Alikor, has raised serious concern over the rising incidence of hypertension among young Nigerians, warning that high blood pressure is “no longer a sickness for the old” as even 18-year-olds are increasingly being diagnosed.
Professor Alikor issued the warning during the 123rd Inaugural Lecture of the Rivers State University, RSU, on Wednesday, delivering a presentation themed: “The Silent Active Engine Bearing Weights of Human Sufferings: The Battle to Stay Alive.”
Explaining the theme of his lecture, Professor Alikor, who is the Chief Medical Director at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, RSUTH, described the heart as “the silent active engine” that tirelessly keeps humanity alive despite enormous pressure.
He noted that lifestyle choices are now the greatest threats to heart health.
According to him, “Lifestyle decisions impact the heart,” stressing that diet, stress, excessive salt intake, high refined sugar consumption, obesity, poor diabetes management, and untreated hypertension are major contributors to the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases.
“These,” he said, “are components in the domains of suffering that impact negatively on the human heart.”
To address this, the cardiologist proposed the “Alikor Survival Network Model,” a holistic approach involving the individual, family and the healthcare system to ensure better heart care.
Rising Hypertension in Young Adults and Rural Communities
Professor Alikor, who is the President, Nigerian Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging also revealed findings from his research in collaboration with others conducted more than 20 years ago, showing an already high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the Niger Delta.
More alarming, however, is the increasing trend of hypertension in rural communities and among young people.
He disclosed that among people aged 18 to 39, cardiovascular risk factor clustering is as high as 15%, calling the trend “worrisome.”
He also questioned what the situation might be in cities, where urbanization and changing lifestyles have eroded traditional diets and physical activity.
“Urbanization has wiped away the traditional diet and leg walk and has brought us to a sedentary lifestyle,” he said.
Professor Alikor said the research further showed that men have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk clusters.
Hypertension, Heart Failure and Stroke Dominating Niger Delta Cases
According to Professor Alikor, heart failure and stroke remain the most common cardiovascular complications among hospitalized patients in the Niger Delta.
He advised that symptoms such as palpitations should never be ignored, describing them as signs of cardiovascular strain that require immediate attention from a cardiologist.
The cardiologist emphasized that survival depends on shared responsibility.
“The battle to stay alive is a collective project and not an individual endeavor,” he said, insisting that the Alikor Heart Survival Network Model, when applied, can protect both individuals and communities.
He highlighted diet as the first line of defense, noting: “Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains are useful.
“Diets high in salt, trans fat, refined sugar, are enemies of the silent active engine (the heart).”
Alikor urged Nigerians to “know your numbers, including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Alarmingly, he noted: “In our study we established that even among the very educated, they move around with 200/150, just moving around; very enlightened university professors.”
He encouraged regular home monitoring, saying: “You need to have your blood pressure monitors, the electronic ones, good ones… Keep in the office, keep by your bedsides and check your blood pressure regularly.”
Referencing scripture, he said “Luke 22:44 has cardiovascular implications,” reinforcing the physiological stress the heart endures.
Processed Foods, Decline in Physical Activity Driving Future Crisis
Professor Alikor warned that epidemiologic transition and lifestyle changes — including the shift to fast foods and processed meals — are accelerating cardiovascular risks.
He said traditional habits such as vegetable-rich diets and long walks have been abandoned due to westernization, and without intentional interventions, “in the next 10 to 20 years, there will be an alarming increase of heart attacks and stroke.”
To mitigate this looming crisis, he presented the “Alikor Health Care Survival Model.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to addressing societal problems through research and intellectual engagement.
He noted that issues such as poor infrastructure, unemployment, poverty and diseases are worsened by daily stress and unhealthy lifestyles.
Professor Zeb-Obipi added that these factors strain vital organs, including the heart and ultimately reduce productivity.
The VC said the university’s culture of inaugural lectures is aimed at proffering sustainable solutions to such pressing national challenges.