Watch your blood pressure!

Published 08 September 2008, Posted in Northland

Media Release by Stroke Foundation of NZ (Inc.)
Thousands unaware of risk from high Blood Pressure

The NZ Stroke Foundation urges New Zealanders to have a blood pressure test and reduce the risk of becoming a statistic of this country’s second single biggest killer and the leading cause of disability. Statistics show that thousands of kiwis are unknowingly suffering from undiagnosed high blood pressure - the single biggest risk factor for stroke.

The figures also reveal that this risk varies greatly across ethnicities, with Maori/Pacific and Asian ethnicities at much higher risk of some strokes at a younger age than NZ/Europeans. 

To counteract this trend, the Stroke Foundation - working in partnership with Lions International - is launching a blood pressure campaign with a series of testing days throughout the country. As part of the “Take the Pressure Off Stroke” blood pressure awareness campaign, the testing sites will take place on Saturdays 6 and 13 September 2008. Testing days will offer free blood pressure checks, and advice on stroke and its prevention to people of all ages. Stroke does not discriminate and can happen to anyone at any time: one in four strokes occur amongst those under retirement age.

According to Stroke Foundation CEO, Mark Vivian: “People lead busy lives but getting your blood pressure checked is quick, simple and could change your life for the better. There is no doubt that blood pressure testing really can save lives. Nearly every hour someone in NZ has a stroke - that’s around 7,600 people every year. But nearly one of every three strokes could be prevented by the control of high blood pressure.

“We also know that thousands of kiwis are unaware of their blood pressure levels. These people have no idea they have high blood pressure and that their risk of having a stroke is therefore massively increased. High blood pressure can be reduced through medication and controlled by changes in diet and lifestyle. Take action, get tested and change your lifestyle - you may prevent a stroke.”

Most people can be treated effectively and benefit greatly from small but significant lifestyle changes. Cutting down on alcohol and salt, stopping smoking, reducing stress levels and leading a healthier lifestyle can all help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.

To find a free blood pressure testing site near you, go to www.stroke.org.nz to see the latest list of sites.

To read the media release ‘Free blood pressure checks nationwide’, download the supporting document below

Supporting document

Free_blood_pressure_checks_nationwide.doc ()