Australias Biggest Blood Pressure Check a wake up call
June 07, 2017
Thousands of Australians have been dealt a shocking reality check after taking part in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check.
The Stroke Foundation campaign has just passed the halfway mark, with figures showing one in three participants has high blood pressure, putting them at serious risk of stroke.
More than 36,000 people have taken advantage of the free health checks at Priceline Pharmacy and participating sites across the country so far, with many surprised by their results.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said 38 percent of men and 26 percent of women have recorded high blood pressure.
“This is concerning because high blood pressure is one of the key factors in stroke, which is one of the nation’s biggest killers and causes of disability.
“More than 4.1 million Australians are living with uncontrolled high blood pressure. It does not have any symptoms, so the results have been a wake-up call for many.
“As a result of Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check, these people have been referred to their GP for follow up and will now be able to make some lifestyle changes to bring their readings down and reduce their stroke risk”, she said.
Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure check runs until Wednesday 14 June and is aiming for more than 56,000 health checks in one month.
Ms McGowan said “It’s not too late to take part. I encourage everyone to get a potentially life-saving blood pressure check at a site near you. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes.
“It could be that light bulb moment you need to make health a priority and help reduce the incidence of stroke,” she said.
Click here to find the site nearest you.
The Stroke Foundation campaign has just passed the halfway mark, with figures showing one in three participants has high blood pressure, putting them at serious risk of stroke.
More than 36,000 people have taken advantage of the free health checks at Priceline Pharmacy and participating sites across the country so far, with many surprised by their results.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said 38 percent of men and 26 percent of women have recorded high blood pressure.
“This is concerning because high blood pressure is one of the key factors in stroke, which is one of the nation’s biggest killers and causes of disability.
“More than 4.1 million Australians are living with uncontrolled high blood pressure. It does not have any symptoms, so the results have been a wake-up call for many.
“As a result of Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check, these people have been referred to their GP for follow up and will now be able to make some lifestyle changes to bring their readings down and reduce their stroke risk”, she said.
Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure check runs until Wednesday 14 June and is aiming for more than 56,000 health checks in one month.
Ms McGowan said “It’s not too late to take part. I encourage everyone to get a potentially life-saving blood pressure check at a site near you. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes.
“It could be that light bulb moment you need to make health a priority and help reduce the incidence of stroke,” she said.
Click here to find the site nearest you.