High blood pressure rates soar in NSW

New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has encouraged people to adopt healthier lifestyles as new figures show rates of high blood pressure have almost doubled in NSW.

“According to a NSW Health survey, in 1997, 16.5% of men and 15.9% of women had high blood pressure,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“In 2008 those figures increased significantly, up to 28.5% of men and 31.8% of women were found to have high blood pressure.

“Almost half, 45.6% of women aged between 55 and 64, and 62% of women aged over 75 have high blood pressure. In men, 44.3% aged between 55 and 64 have high blood pressure, as do 51% of men aged over 75.

“The survey by NSW Health also revealed high cholesterol rates.

“High cholesterol is present in nearly half, 47.3% of women aged between 65 and 74, and more than a third, 36.8% in women aged between 55 and 64,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“In men, high cholesterol is present in 41% of those aged between 65 and 74, and in 39.3% aged between 55 and 64. People with high blood pressure and high cholesterol have a greater risk of stroke, blindness, heart and kidney failure, and even death.

“Also, earlier this year, new scientific review of international research by the University of NSW revealed treating high blood pressure may reduce the incidence of dementia.

“It is vital to take preventative action and to improve lifestyle to avoid developing chronic health problems – by staying well, people are not only improving their quality of life but staying out of hospital which helps take pressure off our hard-working doctors and nurses.

“Lifestyle is all important in controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” the Minister said.

“People can help reduce or control their blood pressure by taking a few simple steps:

• Eat less fat and salt;
• Eat plenty of cereals, fruit, fish and vegetables;
• Eat less red meat;
• Retain a healthy weight;
• Exercise for 30 minutes on most or every day of the week;
• Limit alcohol to two glasses a day or less;
• If you are given tablets to control blood pressure, take them as prescribed;
• Be a non-smoker, and have your blood pressure checked every two years or as directed by your general practioner.

“It is important for people to have their blood pressure and cholesterol regularly measured so they can get their health under control and avoid hospitalisation,” the Minister added.