By Jessica Micallef
Sunbury has been revealed as one of the country’s top 10 hot spots for high blood pressure, according to a new report.
A Stroke Foundation and SiSU Health Group report states that 36 per cent of Sunbury residents who have had a health check were found to have high blood pressure.
The north-west suburb ranked second overall, with Schofields in New South Wales taking out the top spot. According to the report, Sunbury ranked “well above” the national high blood pressure rate of 15 per cent. Gisborne was ranked in the top 10 Victorian suburbs for residents with high blood pressure.
According to the same report, 26 per cent of Gisborne residents who have head a health check were found to have recorded high blood pressure.
Stroke Foundation chief executive Sharon McGowan said high blood pressure was the largest modifiable risk factor to stroke, yet it often had no immediate symptoms.
“Over time high blood pressure puts extra stress on blood vessel walls,” she said.
“This can cause them to narrow or break down, eventually leading to a stroke.
“High blood pressure is preventable and it is manageable, but you need to know if it is an issue in the first place. The best way to do this is having it checked with your GP, at your local pharmacy or on a digital SiSU Health station.
“I urge the people of Sunbury and surrounds to learn about their personal stroke risk and take steps to reduce it.
“High blood pressure can be managed with medication and by living a healthy, active lifestyle. Research has found the number of stokes in Australia could be almost cut in half
if high blood pressure alone was eliminated.”
