Hypertension in Sri Lanka: a systematic review of prevalence, control, care delivery and challenges

Hypertension (HTN) is recognized as a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular deaths in South Asia. Our aim was to furnish a comprehensive analysis of HTN prevalence, trends, control efforts, awareness, barriers in care delivery and associated factors, based on nationally derived evidence in Sri Lanka. A systematic search of online databases ( PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus ), local journals and repositories yielded 6704 results, of which 106 were included. Prevalence of HTN steadily increased from 23.7% (2005-2006) to 34.8% (2021). Associated factors identified were hyperhomocysteinaemia [odds ratio (OR) 2.80], overweight/obesity (OR 2.02), perceived job stress (OR 2.20-3.02), physical inactivity (OR 2.08-2.80), salt intake more than 5 g/day (OR 2.50), smoking (OR 2.31) and waist-to-height ratio more than or equal to 0.5 (OR 2.23). Cohort studies revealed poor blood pressure control and treatment adherence among patients. Pharmacological ( n = 4) and nonpharmacological ( n = 6) interventional studies were few. Studies on knowledge, attitudes and practices demonstrated a lack of public awareness. Despite the high prevalence of HTN in Sri Lanka, many cases remain undiagnosed, underscoring importance of targeted screening programmes and culture-specific public health education programmes.