15 May 2009
HEART FOUNDATION WARNS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE A
MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO DEATH WORLDWIDE
WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY SUNDAY 17 MAY 2009
As the result of high blood pressure, more than 7 million people globally die each
year. On World Hypertension Day, Sunday 17 May, the Heart Foundation is calling for
action to reduce the gap in the recognition and management of the condition.
“High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney
disease, with more than 1.5 billion people worldwide affected by the condition,” said,
Chair of the Heart Foundation’s National Blood Pressure & Vascular Disease Advisory
Committee, Associate Professor Karen Duggan.
“It is estimated that hypertension accounts for 64% of strokes and 49% of coronary
heart disease worldwide.
i
”
“Moreover, it is suggested that 30% of adult Australians have high blood pressure or
are on medication for high blood pressure
ii
,
so the detection and management of the
condition is vital,” Associate Professor Duggan said.
Evidence shows that there needs to be an increase in the number of patients
achieving their blood pressure target.
“Treating to target blood pressure levels can help prevent death and disease including
heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease and dementia,” she said.
As a member organisation of the World Hypertension League, the Heart Foundation
published new hypertension guidelines in 2008 to develop a more simplified approach
to assessing and managing blood pressure.
The guidelines emphasise the importance of undertaking a comprehensive
cardiovascular disease risk assessment, taking into account a variety of risk factors,
in addition to high blood pressure.
Alarmingly, 65% of Australian women recently surveyed by the Heart Foundation did
not mention blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes as a risk factor of heart disease.
As part of its Go Red for Women campaign (3 May – 12 June), the Heart Foundation
is urging Australian women to visit their GP for a heart disease risk assessment, to
find out their blood pressure, cholesterol level and waist circumference.
– ends –
About the Heart Foundation:
This year the Heart Foundation marks its 50th anniversary as Australia's leading voice on
heart health.
The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world-class
cardiovascular research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting
people with cardiovascular disease.
While the work over the past five decades has helped reduce the number of deaths,
cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease) remains one of Australia's
most devastating health problems.
As a charity, the Heart Foundation relies on donations and gifts in Wills to continue its
lifesaving research, education and health promotion work. For further information visit
For further information please contact:
Kat Tate, PR Coordinator
Ph: (02) 9219 2426
Email: kat.tate@heartfoundation.org.au
i
World Hypertension League. Salt and High Blood Pressure: Two Silent Killers. 2009
ii
Australian Diabetes, Obesity & Lifestyle Study (AusDiab). 2005
NEWS 
