Are you one of millions of Australians putting their lives at risk without even knowing it?
More than four million Australians have high blood pressure putting them at serious risk of stroke and most don’t even know it.
On Wednesday 6 May, the National Stroke Foundation will partner with Chemmart Pharmacies to host Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check, delivering checks to thousands of Australians, better informing them of their stroke risk.
National Stroke Foundation National Director of Programs Toni Aslett urged local residents to get involved in the free events taking place in capital cities across the country.
In Adelaide you can head to the Pulteney Street end of Rundle Mall on May 6th from 7.30am – 3.30pm.
“Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check is all about getting people to take five minutes out of their day to have a blood pressure check and find out more about stroke,” Ms Aslett said.
“On Wednesday 6 May we will be joining with Chemmart pharmacists and other health professionals to deliver thousands of free blood pressure checks along with cardiovascular and diabetes risk assessments around the nation.
“The checks will help raise awareness of stroke and stroke risks. Too many Australians are completely unaware of their stroke risk and what they can do to manage it. “If you have high blood pressure, are a smoker or drinker, or have a family history of stroke and medical conditions – including diabetes, heart issues or high cholesterol – you may be at greater risk of stroke,” she said.
Chemmart Pharmacist Carolyn Wynen said although there were a number of risk factors that contributed to a person’s stroke risk, high blood pressure was the highest and most modifiable risk factor.
“Many people don’t even realise they have high blood pressure until they have a medical crisis – like a stroke,” Ms Wynen said.
“High blood pressure has no symptoms, the only way to know your blood pressure is to have it checked.
“As a healthcare professional I see the devastating effects that a stroke can have on people and their families. One in six people are likely to have a stroke in their lifetime and a simple blood pressure check can help people reduce their stroke risk.
“Please, take five minutes out of your day on May 6 to take a free blood pressure check and to find out more about stroke, it may save your life.”
Ms Aslett said last year the National Stroke Foundation and Chemmart checked the blood pressure of more than 10,000 Australians as part of Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check, finding around a quarter of those tested were identified to be at risk of stroke.
“This year we hope to break this record by checking the blood pressure of over 15,000 Australians in one day to potentially save more lives,” she said.
Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check will be held Wednesday, 6 May with free blood pressure checks to be delivered at key city sites or Chemmart Pharmacies across the country.
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