02 August 2009

High blood pressure and cholesterol rates soar

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today encouraged people to adopt healthier lifestyles as new figures show rates of high blood pressure have almost doubled.

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

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

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

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

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

“In men, high cholesterol is present in 41 per cent of those aged between 65 and 74, and in 39.3 per cent 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.

More information can be found by visiting http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/topics/bloodpressure.html and http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Pages/default.aspx

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au