Aussies urged to act on silent killer

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 07 April 2013 | 23.08

An estimated 440,000 people aged 30-65 have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied

HALF a million Australians are harbouring a silent killer that could cause a heart attack or stroke - but they don't know it.

An estimated 440,000 people aged 30-65 have undiagnosed high blood pressure, new data from National Heart Foundation suggests.

While one in three Australians have been told by a doctor they have high blood pressure - one in eight don't actually know what their blood pressure is.

Health officials are urging people to get themselves checked out.

''It's often called a silent killer because there are no obvious symptoms. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to ask your GP for a regular check-up,'' says Heart Foundation chief Dr Lyn Roberts.

''High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke so we're very concerned that almost half a million Australians have high blood pressure without knowing it.

''The good news is that you can reduce your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease by making lifestyle changes and taking medication if needed.''

Key tips to reduce blood pressure include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.

Reducing salt in the diet can also help.

The Heart Foundation says consumers should check nutrition panels on packaged food and look for products with less than 120mg of sodium per 100g.

The George Institute for Global Health has developed a smartphone app Saltswitch with health fund BUPA to help shoppers choose low salt foods.

The institute says Australians are eating more than double the daily recommended level of salt and reducing intake by an average of 3 grams a day could cut the number of deaths from stroke by a quarter and the number of deaths from coronary heart disease by one fifth.

Although there is no firm rule about what defines high blood pressure most people should aim for a reading of less than 120/80.

It's recommended everyone over 45 and people of all ages with other risk factors for heart disease, such as being overweight, smoking or a family history, get their blood pressure checked every one to two years. 


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