High blood pressure rate causes alarm

JOHN BISSET/Timaru Herald

GET CHECKED: Timaru man John Lash had a stroke a year ago and urges everyone to have their blood pressure checked to avoid a stroke.

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The Stroke Foundation is alarmed that half of Timaru people tested have elevated blood pressure – with around five strokes in the region each week.

More than 200 people in Timaru had their blood pressure tested, with 49 per cent showing elevated blood pressure.

The tests were part of a nationwide Stroke Awareness Week in September, with the results just released.

The findings did not surprise South Canterbury Stroke Foundation field officer Christine Holling, who said at least five people in South Canterbury had a stroke every week, a third of them potentially avoidable.

"There are 22 a day in New Zealand.

"A third are caused by high blood pressure, which could be avoided if people had their blood pressure checked."

Mrs Holling knows only too well strokes can be fatal.

"I am on blood pressure medication and my mother was dead at my age because of a stroke that was caused by high blood pressure.

"Everybody should have their blood pressure checked once every 12 months, especially if you are over 50-years-old and if you have a family history.

"Men have to be extra careful."

Genetics play a role in high blood pressure, but there were lifestyle factors that also increased chances of a stroke; obesity, smoking, alcohol, and leading a sedentary life all contributed.

"If you are found to have elevated blood pressure you are monitored and put on medication and advised to make certain lifestyle changes."

In September blood pressure checks were offered by the foundation, St John and Lions at more than 100 supermarkets throughout the country.

About 12,000 people had their blood pressure checked, with 45 per cent of results found to be above normal. Nationally the Stroke Foundation was alarmed with the number of people shown to have high blood pressure.

According to the 2003 New Zealand Health Survey, which used self-reported data, one in five New Zealanders were thought to have high blood pressure. However, findings from recent checks suggest rates may be much higher than previously thought.

Strokes are the second-largest cause of death in New Zealand, and about 8000 New Zealanders have strokes each year, one-third of those caused by high blood pressure.

Blood pressure that is consistently above 140 over 90 is considered to be high. Normal blood pressure is around 120 over 80. In general, the lower blood pressure, the better.

'I WOULDN'T WISH IT ON MY WORST ENEMY'

It is a year ago to the day that John Lash woke up and the left hand side of his body was paralysed. The retired fisherman had suffered a stroke – something he would not wish on his worst enemy.

He had been admitted two days earlier to Timaru Hospital on November 10 after his legs had given way on him twice. "I went to stand up after having a drink of orange and my legs buckled and I thought it was just a rush of blood to the head. Then the next morning I went to get dressed and my legs gave out again."

He was living in Duntroon and was taken straight to Timaru Hospital. "I was in hospital and I couldn't get my leg comfortable and I squirmed all night. Then when I woke up in the morning, the left side of my body was paralysed."

He was in hospital for six weeks and then three days before Christmas moved to a flat in Timaru. "They were marvellous to me at Timaru Hospital, especially the physio. When I got back home I couldn't do the everyday things like open a jar or tie my shoelaces. Everything is a challenge."

Medical staff predict it will take another year for the 65-year-old to fully recover. "Every day I get a little bit more back. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, it is just so frustrating."