Start your 2021 right with a blood pressure check

Australians keen to make a healthy start to 2021 are being urged to have a blood pressure check.

Stroke Foundation clinical council chair Professor Bruce Campbell said having your blood pressure checked was easy, painless and potentially life-saving, but was too often overlooked.

“I know the new year is a time for resolutions and a fresh start for many,” he said.

“This year, rather than jumping straight into long-term health goals like getting fit or losing a few kilos, start with a blood pressure check at your doctor or pharmacy.

“It’s like checking your car is in good working order before a big road trip.”

New Stroke Foundation figures revealed more than 4.7 million Australians were living with high blood pressure and most don’t even know they have it.

In the federal electorate of Corangamite, 3,084 people were living with stroke last year, and this figure is expected to rise to 6,218 in 2050.

In Corio, there were 3,139 stroke survivors in 2020 and a projected 6,390 in three decades’ time.

High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is a key risk factor for stroke and the most modifiable.

Prof. Campbell said the only way to know if you have high blood pressure was to have it checked regularly.

“High blood pressure has no immediate symptoms,” he said.

“Yet over time it 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 also a risk for other cardiovascular conditions and increases the risk of death from the coronavirus (COVID-19).”

High blood pressure can impact people of all ages, but it can be managed through medication, minimising salt intake and living a healthy, active lifestyle.

“Research has shown the number of strokes would be almost cut in half (48 percent reduction) if high blood pressure alone was eliminated,” Prof. Campbell said.

“Give yourself the best chance possible to live a healthy life in 2021 and beyond. Learn about your risk and continue to monitor your blood pressure regularly.”