May marks Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check

Australians are being urged to roll up their sleeves and check their blood pressure during the month of May as part of a national call to action to reduce their risk of stroke.  

Starting today, Stroke Foundation’s month-long campaign, Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check, encourages Aussies of all ages to get a health check at their doctor or local pharmacy to determine if they have high blood pressure (also known as hypertension).   

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says a quick and painless blood pressure check can save your life.  

“High blood pressure has no immediate symptoms but is like a ticking time bomb for your health - it puts extra stress on blood vessel walls making it easier for a blood clot to form or a blood vessel to burst causing a stroke. A simple check at your doctor or pharmacy can help you understand your stroke risk – and take steps to manage it,” Dr Murphy said. 
 
High blood pressure affects one in three Australian adults and only 50 per cent are aware they have it. High blood pressure is also the leading preventable cause of death in Australia, contributing to over 25,000 deaths annually. 
 
“High blood pressure is the single biggest modifiable risk factor for stroke and a key risk factor for heart disease, kidney disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and dementia. However, the good news is that it can be managed well through lifestyle changes or medication if detected. The only way to do this is through regular blood pressure checks, which is why we are calling on all Australians to get their blood pressure checked during the month of May.” 
 
Stroke Foundation is a co-founding member of The National Hypertension Taskforce, assembled to tackle the leading risk factor of death in Australia - high blood pressure.  The Taskforce aims to increase the number of Australians with their blood pressure both treated and controlled effectively from 32 per cent to 70 per cent by 2030. Stroke Foundation’s Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check is supporting the global initiative May Measurement Month and helping the Taskforce to reach its goal. 
 
“Don’t let high blood pressure be the preventable cause of your stroke - book in for your blood pressure check today and take a powerful step towards stroke prevention.”  
 
More information on high blood pressure is available here.  
 
Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check is supported by the following sponsors: