Sri Lanka, June 12 -- 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....