Role of Family History in Hypertension Risk Among Nigerians: Genetic, Environmental, and Public Health Perspectives
Hypertension (HTN) is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality globally, with Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) bearing a disproportionate burden. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, reports increasing prevalence rates exceeding 30% among adults. Family history (FH) of hypertension is a consistent, independent predictor of elevated blood pressure (BP) and incident hypertension across populations. However, in Nigerians, the interaction between genetic predisposition, shared environmental exposures, sociocultural factors, and cardiometabolic transitions remains underexplored. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of family history in hypertension risk among Nigerians, examining genetic susceptibility, epigenetic influences, heritability estimates, gene–environment interactions, and public health implications. We also discuss screening strategies and future research directions relevant to precision prevention in Nigerian populations.