High blood pressure a major cause of serious diseases: Specialist

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, June 12 (Daily Mirror) - High blood pressure is one of the main factors contributing to a range of serious diseases in the human body, Specialist Physician Suranga Manilgama has said.

Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Manilgama noted that high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart and blood vessel-related diseases, including heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.

He explained that the condition can also affect the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. Strokes, he said, may occur either due to a blockage in a blood vessel that disrupts blood flow to the brain or due to bleeding within the brain.

“High blood pressure can damage the heart and lead to heart attacks or heart failure. It also affects blood vessels throughout the body. When blood circulates under high pressure, vessels can be damaged, allowing cholesterol to build up in these areas and affecting internal organs and even eyesight,” he said.

Dr. Manilgama described high blood pressure as a “silent killer,” noting that many patients do not show noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, some may experience headaches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, extreme tiredness and shortness of breath. He emphasized that symptoms vary from person to person and stressed the importance of regular check-ups and blood pressure monitoring.

He further identified unhealthy eating habits as the leading contributor to high blood pressure, along with lack of physical activity, excessive mental stress, inadequate sleep, and the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.