Around 4.3 million Sri Lankan adults are currently living with high blood pressure, but only 1.5 million are receiving medical treatment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)
The figures were revealed in the WHO’s Global High Blood Pressure Report, which also highlights that 1.4 billion people worldwide were diagnosed with high blood pressure by the end of 2024. The report warns that this number is projected to rise by another 1.5 billion by 2030, making hypertension one of the most critical global health concerns.
Despite the widespread prevalence, the report notes that only slightly more than one in five patients have their condition under control, either through medication or lifestyle changes such as improved diet, physical activity, and reduced alcohol or tobacco use.
The WHO identifies high blood pressure as a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and dementia globally. Health experts in Sri Lanka stress that the growing number of untreated cases could lead to a surge in non-communicable diseases if not addressed through early detection and consistent management.
Medical professionals also advise that individuals over the age of 40 — who are at higher risk of developing hypertension — should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year as part of routine health monitoring.
