One in three New Zealanders over the age of 30 has high blood pressure, yet many are unaware of their condition.
The Heart Foundation is initiating its inaugural blood pressure awareness campaign to motivate individuals to get tested, a step it believes could save countless lives. Dr. Gerry Devlin, the medical director of the Heart Foundation, noted that approximately 350,000 New Zealanders with high blood pressure are not being monitored due to a lack of symptoms. "This is why it’s often referred to as 'the silent killer,'" he explained. "The first indication of high blood pressure may occur only when a complication arises, such as a heart attack, stroke, or issues related to heart or kidney failure."
"We are increasingly aware that high blood pressure is linked to dementia, a condition that develops over many years. When blood pressure remains uncontrolled and elevated for an extended period, it can lead to the stiffening and narrowing of the arteries." Lynnette, a woman from Auckland, was diagnosed with high blood pressure in her 20s while living in the Philippines. However, she admits that she did not take her condition seriously for several years. "I tried to ignore it," she said. After turning 50, she began experiencing what she initially thought was indigestion. "I assumed it was acid reflux that was waking me up in the middle of the night. But by the second or third night, I realized something was off. I started to feel a bit of chest pain, and my left shoulder was becomin weak."
"We are increasingly aware that high blood pressure is linked to dementia, a condition that develops over many years. When blood pressure remains uncontrolled and elevated for an extended period, it can lead to the stiffening and narrowing of the arteries." Lynnette, a woman from Auckland, was diagnosed with high blood pressure in her 20s while living in the Philippines. However, she admits that she did not take her condition seriously for several years. "I tried to ignore it," she said. After turning 50, she began experiencing what she initially thought was indigestion. "I assumed it was acid reflux that was waking me up in the middle of the night. But by the second or third night, I realized something was off. I started to feel a bit of chest pain, and my left shoulder was becomin weak."
Research increasingly shows a connection between high blood pressure and dementia, a condition that develops gradually over time. When blood pressure remains consistently high and uncontrolled, it can cause arteries to stiffen and narrow. Lynnette, a woman from Auckland, was diagnosed with high blood pressure in her 20s while living in the Philippines. However, she admits that for several years, she did not take her condition seriously. "I tried to ignore it," she recalled. After turning 50, she began experiencing what she initially thought was indigestion. "I assumed it was acid reflux that was waking me up in the middle of the night. But by the second or third night, I realized something was wrong. I started to feel some chest pain, and my left shoulder began to weaken."
"Improving blood pressure by approximately 50% over the next decade could prevent 12,000 deaths by 2040, making it a significant intervention." Blood pressure checks can be performed by doctors, nurses, or at various pharmacies. Dr. Devlin recommended that some individuals consider purchasing their own monitors to track their blood pressure at home. "We aim to encourage New Zealanders to get their blood pressure checked, understand what the numbers signify, and take control of their heart health for a longer, healthier life," he stated. "For every 10-point reduction in your systolic blood pressure, your risk of a heart event decreases by 20%."
"It's about lifestyle." A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, typically expressed as a fraction, such as 120/80. The first number represents the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure), while the second number indicates the pressure when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). For most individuals, an ideal blood pressure is below 120 for systolic (the top number) and below 80 for diastolic (the bottom number). Dr. Devlin, who has a family history of high blood pressure, emphasizes that managing this condition involves more than just medication. "It's about lifestyle," he explains, highlighting the importance of examining our dietary choices, such as reducing salt intake.
"Engaging in more physical activity and cutting back on alcohol—these are all the steps we know we should take or avoid, and they significantly affect our blood pressure." Lynette mentioned that she is now committed to a healthier lifestyle, but she also encouraged others to "see a doctor if something doesn’t feel right." "Don’t just assume it’s nothing. And if you’re on medication, make sure to take it consistently—it could save your life."
"Improving blood pressure by approximately 50% over the next decade could prevent 12,000 deaths by 2040, making it a significant intervention." Blood pressure checks can be performed by doctors, nurses, or at various pharmacies. Dr. Devlin recommended that some individuals consider purchasing their own monitors to track their blood pressure at home. "We aim to encourage New Zealanders to get their blood pressure checked, understand what the numbers signify, and take control of their heart health for a longer, healthier life," he stated. "For every 10-point reduction in your systolic blood pressure, your risk of a heart event decreases by 20%."
"It's about lifestyle." A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, typically expressed as a fraction, such as 120/80. The first number represents the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure), while the second number indicates the pressure when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). For most individuals, an ideal blood pressure is below 120 for systolic (the top number) and below 80 for diastolic (the bottom number). Dr. Devlin, who has a family history of high blood pressure, emphasizes that managing this condition involves more than just medication. "It's about lifestyle," he explains, highlighting the importance of examining our dietary choices, such as reducing salt intake.
"Engaging in more physical activity and cutting back on alcohol—these are all the steps we know we should take or avoid, and they significantly affect our blood pressure." Lynette mentioned that she is now committed to a healthier lifestyle, but she also encouraged others to "see a doctor if something doesn’t feel right." "Don’t just assume it’s nothing. And if you’re on medication, make sure to take it consistently—it could save your life."
