Thursday, 12 May 2022

Members statements

Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check

Mr ONDARCHIE (Northern Metropolitan) (10:18): May is blood pressure awareness month, and I am encouraging all Victorians to go to their pharmacy or their doctor and get a blood pressure test as soon as they can. It may save their life. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the greatest modifiable risk for stroke. A quick and painless blood pressure check can be all it takes for someone to change their life and reduce their stroke risk. Each May the Stroke Foundation promotes the importance of blood pressure checking as part of Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check campaign. It coincides with World Hypertension Day on 17 May.

High blood pressure often goes undiagnosed and has no immediate symptoms. Over time it puts extra stress on blood vessel walls and causes them to narrow or break down, eventually leading to a stroke. A staggering 4.7 million Australians are living with uncontrolled high blood pressure, and many do not realise it. A normal blood pressure measurement is described as around 120/80. A measurement of 140/90 is regarded as high blood pressure and puts you at increased risk of stroke, no matter what your age. To find a local pharmacy which provides blood pressure monitoring services, simply head to findapharmacy.com.au. I have had personal experience with stroke, so I know what it means.

Can I congratulate Sharon McGowan, Heidi Victoria and the whole team at the Stroke Foundation for this very important month. Can I encourage all Victorians: go get a blood pressure test—please.