30th Inaugural lecture of Unizik: Prof Ahaneku commends competence

As part of efforts towards promoting excellence, and improving the society through research and development as well as through knowledge based information, and demonstrating capacities and competences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University has again organized a successful 30th Inaugural Lecture.  Declaring the lecture open the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku commended the Inaugural Lecturer for demonstrating true competence and promoting excellence.

While speaking on the topic: “Coping with Hypertension: the Harvest of Behaviour and Experience” the inaugural lecturer, Prof. Michael O. Ezenwa defined Hypertension as a critical medical condition that requires immediate attention.  It is a cardiovascular and non-communicable disease.  Hypertension, he said, is the commonest cardiovascular disease among Nigerians.

The incidence of hypertension in Nigeria varies a great deal with respect to age, body mass index, gender and place of residence (urban or rural).  Hypertension according to him is classified into diastolic and systolic hypertension, by severity into borderline, mild, moderate and severe hypertension.  Hypertension generally, he added, has no signs in most people at the onset when it is mild, due to idiosyncratic factors, some patients may experience slight changes in sleep pattern, mild headache and similar symptoms.

However, the condition only becomes significantly disturbing and noticeable in most people when it has progressed to moderate or severe state and may have caused significant damage in the body.  Moderate to severe hypertension may be characterized by more pronounced signs and symptoms including throbbing headaches, pounding sensation in the chest, nose or ear, confused state, chest pain, sleep disturbance with associated fatigue, anxiety, shortness of breath etc.  Some patients may in addition show nosebleeds, blood in the urine or subconjuctival haemorrhage.

He added that certain factors such as Alcohol consumption, high salt intake, weight gain, lack of exercise, smoking etc are some risk causes of hypertension. He concluded that particular music and relaxation therapies are effective in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure of hypertension patients.

Hypertension, according to the inaugural lecturer, can however be controlled or at least be ameliorated in patients by effective integration of psychological elements including lifestyle adjustment, nutrition and other factors.

High point of the lecture was the decoration of the inaugural lecturer with a medal by the Vice-Chancellor.  The event was well attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.