Pressure on to help save lives
Almost 25 per cent of the people tested during the Big Blood Pressure Check in South Canterbury last month were referred to a general practitioner due to a high blood pressure reading, the Stroke Foundation says.
The Foundation’s health promotion manager, Julia Rout, said a free blood pressure check testing site was set up on October 5, and as high blood pressure was one of the leading causes of stroke this information could have saved lives, she said.
‘‘Timaru saw 253 people had their blood pressure tested at the Timaru Pak ‘n Save and of those, 63 were referred to a GP for a high reading.
‘‘While this is a high figure, we can see that the work we are doing is having a positive impact. We have been able to help more people to better manage their health and equip them with the tools and knowledge to reduce their risk of stroke.’’
Of the 12,000 people tested by Stroke Foundation volunteers nationally, one in six had to be referred to a GP due to a high blood pressure reading, she said.
Rout said a person with high blood pressure is up to seven times more likely to have a stroke than someone with normal or low blood pressure which was why check-ups were vital.
‘‘This is why the work that we do is so important in reducing the devastation stroke can cause, especially for those communities most at risk.
‘‘High blood pressure doesn’t have any symptoms, so having an annual check is incredibly important, much like a car warrant of fitness. Our focus for the coming year will be around building our engagement with these communities, so we can better equip them with the tools to reduce their risk of stroke.’’
High blood pressure was the number one modifiable risk factor for stroke, but could be managed and controlled with regular check ups, Rout said.
The Big Blood Pressure Check was launched 11 years ago and for the first time this year the campaign was extended to last the whole of October.
‘‘The Stroke Foundation encourages everyone over the age of 45 to have an annual blood pressure check. Getting a check is a quick and simple step to help avoid a stroke.’’
‘‘High blood pressure doesn’t have any symptoms, so having an annual check is incredibly important, much like a car warrant of fitness.’’ Julia Rout