NEW ZEALAND — Many New Zealanders are unaware they have high blood pressure, and to help address this, free blood pressure checks are being offered across the country.
Currently, 350,000 Kiwis are living with high blood pressure without knowing it. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called a “silent killer” because it typically has no noticeable symptoms.
Dr. Gerry Devlin, Medical Director of the Heart Foundation, explained that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart disease, New Zealand’s biggest cause of death. It contributes to 45% of the country’s cardiovascular-related deaths, which amounts to about 4,000 deaths each year.
The Heart Foundation is calling for New Zealand to double its blood pressure control rate by 50% within the next decade. Dr. Devlin said that achieving this goal could save 12,000 lives by 2040. A more ambitious target of 70% blood pressure control by 2030 would prevent even more deaths.
To support this initiative, free blood pressure checks will be available in New Plymouth starting next week at the following locations:
Puke Ariki Library: May 20 and 28, 10am to 1pm
Centre City Shopping Centre: May 21 and 29, 11am to 1:30pm
The Warehouse Bell Block: May 27, 11am to 2pm
These tests aim to encourage more people to get their blood pressure checked, helping to reduce the impact of hypertension and save lives.
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