AUSTRALIA'S top 10 hotspots for high blood pressure have been revealed in a new report, highlighting communities at greatest risk of stroke.
The Australia Under Pressure - Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check Report, released by the Stroke Foundation to mark World Stroke Day, is calling on Australians to be aware of their stroke risk and how to manage it.
The Stroke Foundation partnered with health measurement device vendor SiSU Health Group on the year-long campaign, which delivered more than 500,000 free health checks in the community throughout 2018 to encourage people to reduce their risk of stroke.
The region identified as having the greatest risk was the NSW town of Schofields, where 46 per cent of people tested had high blood pressure, with the Queensland suburb of Kalapa coming in at tenth place with 30 per cent of people tested recording a high reading.
Top 10 hot spots for high blood pressure
- Schofields, NSW (46 per cent with high blood pressure)
- SunburyVIC (36 per cent)
- Nailsworth, SA (35 per cent)
- Currency Creek, SA (35 per cent)
- Stepney, SA (34 per cent)
- Renmark, SA (34 per cent)
- Pacific Palms, NSW (33 per cent)
- Miandetta, TAS (31 per cent)
- Templestowe, VIC (30 per cent)
- Kalapa, QLD (30 per cent)
- *Note - Excludes postcodes with fewer than 100 health checks completed. Data is limited to areas where SiSU Health Stations were located.
The report found the issue was widespread. Of the more than 500,000 free health checks, 15 per cent of participants had high blood pressure (hypertension). Men were found to be at higher risk than women.
Stroke Foundation Health Promotion Advisory Subcommittee Chair Associate Professor, Seana Gall, said more than 80 per cent of people who recorded high blood pressure did not know they had it prior to their health check.
"High blood pressure is the largest modifiable risk factor for stroke, yet it can have no immediate symptoms," A/Prof Gall said.
"Over time high blood pressure puts extra stress on blood vessel walls. This can cause them to narrow or break down, eventually leading to a stroke.
"High blood pressure is preventable and it is manageable, but the first step is getting your blood pressure checked. The best way to do this is with your GP, at your local pharmacy or on a digital SiSU Health Station."
Stroke can change lives in an instant. It strikes the brain, which controls everything we do, including our thoughts and movements. Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.
The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of stroke. However, it can be managed through medication and prevented by avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption.
Six million Australians live with high blood pressure, but it remains uncontrolled or untreated in 4.1 million of them.
SiSU Health Group managing director Dr Noel Duncan said he was pleased to see a 60 per cent reduction in high blood pressure in people who have had more than one health check the SiSU Health Stations over time.
"This shows, that with knowledge, Australians will take action to improve their health. Change is possible."
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan urged Australians of all ages to get a health check today.
"It's free, fast and could save your life," Ms McGowan said.
"Research tells us the number of strokes in Australia would be almost cut in half (48 per cent) if high blood pressure alone was eliminated."
This World Stroke Day we are being reminded that one in four people will have a stroke worldwide. The key message is #DontBeTheOne.
Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check 2018 - Key facts
- More than 505,000 free health checks conducted on SiSU Health Stations in 400 locations nationally.
- 15 per cent of participants had high blood pressure (17 per cent men, 13 per cent women).
- 82 per cent of those checked did not know they had high blood pressure.
- 63 per cent of people with high blood pressure were not on blood pressure lowering medication.
- 21 per cent high stroke risk rating.
Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check is a year-round campaign which delivers free health checks in the community - raising awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke; empowering Australians to know their stroke risk and understand how to manage it.
High blood pressure is any reading over 140/90mmHg. SiSU Health Station locations here
