Cureus. 2026 May 25;18(5):e109627. doi: 10.7759/cureus.109627. eCollection 2026 May.
ABSTRACT
Hypertension remains one of the leading contributors to cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries. Rapid urbanization, unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and increasing sedentary behavior continue to drive rising cardiovascular risk across many communities. This narrative review examines the influence of modifiable lifestyle determinants of hypertension and cardiovascular disease within Southeastern Nigeria from a socioecological perspective. Relevant literature relating to physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, dietary sodium intake, health literacy, socioeconomic influences, and preventive healthcare systems was reviewed and synthesized using thematic analysis. The evidence demonstrates that cardiovascular risk is shaped not only by individual behaviors but also by broader interpersonal, environmental, and health-system factors that influence prevention and long-term disease control. The review highlights the importance of context-specific public health interventions that integrate lifestyle modification, community education, improved primary healthcare delivery, and strengthened prevention policies. Addressing hypertension in resource-limited settings will require coordinated multilevel strategies capable of supporting sustainable cardiovascular risk reduction.
PMID:42359176 | PMC:PMC13293558 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.109627