Marking World Hypertension Day on May 17, health authorities are raising urgent alarms about the hidden danger of high blood pressure in Sri Lanka, with one in every three citizens affected—and nearly half of them unaware they are living with the condition.
“It is known as the silent killer,” warned Dr. Shilanthi Mettananda, Consultant Community Physician at the Ministry of Health’s Non-Communicable Diseases Unit. “People often show no symptoms and continue their daily routines, while hypertension silently damages the heart, brain, and kidneys—sometimes fatally.”
Dr. Mettananda noted that 70% of deaths due to non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka stem from complications related to hypertension, such as heart attacks and strokes. Yet, she emphasized, “early detection and proper management can prevent premature deaths.”
The warning came during a press briefing held by the Health Promotion Bureau to mark this year’s World Hypertension Day, themed “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”
According to Dr. Mettananda, common lifestyle factors—such as long hours of physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, and excessive salt consumption—are driving the rise in hypertension. “This is a manageable condition, but it requires individuals to take responsibility for their health,” she said.
She urged Sri Lankans to limit daily salt intake to no more than 5 milligrams, whereas surveys show the average person consumes around 13 milligrams—more than double the healthy limit.
To reduce your risk of hypertension-related death:
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Check your blood pressure regularly, even if you feel fine.
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Reduce salt in your diet—avoid processed foods and read labels carefully.
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Avoid smoking and alcohol.
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Exercise daily—even short walks help.
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Seek medical advice if you have risk factors like obesity, stress, or a family history of heart disease.
“Hypertension is not a death sentence. With awareness and action, we can save lives,” Dr. Mettananda affirmed.
