A Nigerian nurse has challenged the widespread belief that excessive thinking directly causes high blood pressure, describing the claim as a misconception.

The nurse made the clarification in a video circulating on social media, where she addressed what she said was a common explanation given to people diagnosed with hypertension.

According to her, Nigerians often tell people living with high blood pressure that the condition developed because they “think too much.”

“Nigerians, too much thinking does not cause high blood pressure,” she said.

Explaining her position, the nurse noted that thinking occurs in the brain, particularly the frontal lobe, while hypertension primarily involves the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels.

You think with your brain. It is your brain you are using to think,” she said.

She subsequently highlighted several factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure.

The nurse identified genetics and family history as important risk factors.

She explained that having a close family member with hypertension does not mean a person will definitely develop the condition, but it can increase their risk.

If you have a family member that is hypertensive, I’m not saying you must have it though. It puts you at a risk of having it, she said.

Excessive salt consumption was another factor she highlighted.

The nurse advised people to be cautious about the amount of salt and seasoning they add to their meals, noting that excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure.

“Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure,” she said.

She also urged people to become more physically active, particularly those who spend long periods sitting or lying down.

According to the nurse, spending much of the day on phones and social media without taking time to move around can contribute to an inactive lifestyle.

She encouraged people to make simple activities such as walking part of their routine.

You cannot even stand up and say, let me just walk around more. Let me just take a stroll,” she said.

The nurse further identified being overweight or obese as another factor associated with high blood pressure.

When somebody is too fat or when somebody is overweight, it can lead to high blood pressure,” she said.

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption were also included among the factors she mentioned.

“Smoking, it can cause high blood pressure, the nurse said.

She similarly warned that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypertension.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure,” she added

The nurse also pointed to increasing age as a factor that can raise a person’s risk of developing hypertension.

She additionally discussed chronic stress, particularly among people who work continuously without sufficient rest.

She described individuals who wake up early, remain busy throughout the week and continue working during periods that should be used for rest as examples of people who may experience prolonged stress.

Chronic stress, those of you that don’t use to rest,” she said.

Despite mentioning chronic stress, the nurse maintained that excessive thinking itself should not be presented as a direct cause of high blood pressure.

“There are still more, but I promise you excessive thinking does not cause high blood pressure. Stop having that misconception, she said.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be associated with several risk factors, including family history, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and increasing age.

Stress can also cause temporary increases in blood pressure. However, the relationship between long-term stress and the development of hypertension is more complex.

People concerned about their blood pressure should have it checked regularly and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on assumptions about what causes the condition.