High blood pressure responsible for 70% of deaths in Sri Lanka

14 May 2025 11:54 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, May 14 (Daily Mirror)- High blood pressure is a leading cause of death in Sri Lanka accounting for approximately 70% of all fatalities nationwide, the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Unit of the Ministry of Health revealed.

According to Dr. Samiddhi Samarakoon, Director of the NCD Unit, the statistic is based on findings from the most recent national survey on non-communicable diseases conducted in 2021.

The survey indicated that 34.8% of the Sri Lankan population is currently affected by high blood pressure.

"64% of individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure are not on any form of medication to manage the condition. In the early stages, high blood pressure often presents no symptoms, and in some cases, a stroke or heart attack may be the first warning sign,” Dr Samarakoon, said.

She further warned that uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major risk factor for other life-threatening conditions including kidney disease.

The Health Ministry conducts nationwide surveys on non-communicable diseases every five years to monitor trends and guide public health strategies.

Comments - 12

Kumar Wednesday, 14 May 2025 12:54 PM

High blood pressure medicines are for life and remember the side effects of any medicine . I am not a Doctor but a research Biologist in the USA . Take my advice "throw away the medicines the doctors have prescribed" and instead eat one or two pomegranates per day for at least three days a week and daily eat a table spoon of Pumpkin seeds and a table spoon of Sunflower seeds . Do this for four weeks and then surprise your "doctors" with the blood pressure results . Don't tell the doctors how you were able to bring down the blood pressure let them assume that it was their recommended medicines. Continue with pomegranate and the two seeds for the rest of your healthy life with no side effects .

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NV Jen Wednesday, 14 May 2025 02:39 PM

No wonder especially considering the amount of salt that is added to the food. When we go to restaurants, we have to specifically request for low salt as most of the eating places add excessive salt.

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George Soro Wednesday, 14 May 2025 02:46 PM

Diabetes is causing as well high blood pressure. People should stop consuming so much sugar.

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Aruna Wednesday, 14 May 2025 03:46 PM

Reason is high consumption of carbs and suger.

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Dr. Dee esquire Wednesday, 14 May 2025 04:15 PM

Something tells me the salt shortage is gonna last!

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Gammini Wednesday, 14 May 2025 04:22 PM

@@ Kumar : only a doctor would vote against your wonderful and helpful comment.

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Sachi Kuhananthan MD Wednesday, 14 May 2025 05:43 PM

High blood pressure is not due to high intake of salt in most cases. High intake of sugar is the main culprit. Sugar or sucrose is added into many foods such as bread. Children are eating a lot of sugar which leads to obesity and high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause artery plaques which can cause heart attacks and stroke. High blood pressure can also cause rupture of blood vessels in the brain resulting in stroke. High blood pressure can also damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure. Sachi Kuhananthan MD

1 6

Jeeves Wednesday, 14 May 2025 06:26 PM

To Kumar, Seriously, do you want to increase our percentage of death due to high blood pressure? As a scientist, where is the scientific research paper substantiating your claims?

2 4

S P Wednesday, 14 May 2025 10:57 PM

Wonderful! Why waste so much money on prescription drugs when a pomegranate or two and a few pomegranate and pumpkin seeds can do the trick!

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kumar Thursday, 15 May 2025 10:31 AM

If you look at the cost of medicines and X rays together with Dr's fee. even those without pressure are bound to have high blood pressure.

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Cherath Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:14 PM

High sugar, high salt and high carbohydrates throughout life must be contributing to a cocktail of ailments for sure among Sri Lankans, rich and poor, urban and rural. With 3 spoonfuls of sugar in small tea cup considered 'normal' it is an invitation for a variety of health problems such as diabetes and blood pressure etc., which unfortunately forms a platform for other health complications. Many poor mothers in rural areas reach for the sugar jar to quieten a crying kid! And that's when addiction begin.

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Hadi Thursday, 15 May 2025 01:32 PM

Since the cost of sault has sky rocketed over 350 rs per kilo I hope if this trend stays for some time blood pressure of average public may calm down

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