Tara Murray
Residents in Melbourne’s north-west are tipped to be among those most heavily impacted by strokes in the next 30 years, according to new Stroke Foundation data.
As the foundation calls on people to have their blood pressure checked regularly, it has released the ‘No Postcode Untouched 2020’ study which looks at who is impacted by strokes and forecasts stoke figures.
The Lalor electorate is expected to be one of the top electorates for people having a stroke each year and for people living after a stroke.
Lalor sits second behind Melbourne in the predicted top 20 electorates for Australians living with stroke and the number of new stroke cases in a given year by 2050.
The Gorton electorate sits seventh in the country for both categories with Calwell 10th and Gellibrand 13th.
None of those four electores were in the top 20 electores for stroke incidence and prevalence in 2020.
The study also looked at risk factors for stroke.
Lalor and Calwell were found to have a high prevalence of high blood pressure and high cholesterol in 2020, while Lalor and Gorton had a high number of daily smokers.
All three electorates also recorded a high number of residents considered to be overweight or obese.
Stroke Foundation clinical council chair Bruce Campbell said hiigh blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is a key risk factor for stroke and the most modifiable.
He said having your blood pressure checked was easy, painless and potentially life-saving, but was too often overlooked.
“I know the new year is a time for resolutions and a fresh start for many,” Professor Campbell said.
“This year, rather than jumping straight into long-term health goals like getting fit or losing a few kilos, start with a blood pressure check at your doctor or pharmacy.
“It’s like checking your car is in good working order before a big road trip.”
Professor Campbell said the only way to know if you have high blood pressure was to have it checked regularly.
“High blood pressure has no immediate symptoms. High blood pressure is also a risk for other cardiovascular conditions and increases the risk of death from the coronavirus.
“High blood pressure can impact people of all ages, but it can be managed through medication, minimising salt intake and living a healthy, active lifestyle.
“Research has shown the number of strokes would be almost cut in half (48 percent reduction) if high blood pressure alone was eliminated.”
