Srilanka, May 14 -- The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Unit of the Ministry of Health reports that approximately 70% of all deaths in Sri Lanka are caused by conditions resulting from high blood pressure.

Dr. Samindhi Samarakoon, a specialist from the unit, revealed findings from a 2021 national survey, which showed that 34.8% of the population suffers from high blood pressure. Alarmingly, 64% of those affected are not on any medication, and only 14% have their condition under control.

"In many cases, high blood pressure presents no early symptoms. Often, the first indication is a serious event like a stroke or heart attack," Dr. Samarakoon explained. "It is also a major contributor to kidney disease."

She added that only 18% of pati...