Heart attacks number one cause of death in govt. hospitals

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Health officials have reported that Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) was the leading cause of death in government hospitals from 2010 to 2020. IHD, commonly known as heart attacks, involves heart complications due to narrowed coronary arteries that impair blood flow to the heart muscle.

Dr. Sherine J Balasingham, a Consultant Community Physician at the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) at the Health Ministry, emphasised the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to reduce the risk of such conditions. “Walking is beneficial, and spending time outdoors with your children whenever possible helps too,” she advised.

Dr. Balasingham also highlighted the fact that there are four primary NCDs that affect Sri Lankans, which include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.