JEDDAH, 22 June — Twenty-six percent of Saudis aged between 30 and 70 suffer from blood pressure, according to a recently study.

“This rate is very high and dangerous,” says Dr. Mansour Al-Nuzha, professor of cardiology at King Saud University Medical College.

Speaking to Ar-Riyadh Arabic newspaper, he said obesity and high salt consumption were the main reasons for the increase in blood pressure.

The highest number of blood pressure patients was found in the Eastern Province as people in the region eat fish mixed with salt.

About health complications caused by blood pressure, Al-Nuzha said it could lead to kidney failure, brain hemorrhage and heart ailments.

However, he pointed out that 25 to 30 percent of patients would not be aware of the symptoms.

The study was conducted on 18,600 Saudis in various parts of the Kingdom and was supported by King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology. (A.N.)