High blood pressure in Australia
Recent releases
Cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2004-05 (5 June 2008) (media release and publication)
Comorbidity of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Australia (9 August 2007) (media release and publication)
Popular titles
 Australia's health 2008 |
 Australia's welfare 2007 |
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and renal failure. The risk of disease increases as the level of blood pressure increases. High blood pressure is also associated with other risk factors such as tobacco smoking and overweight and obesity.
Key facts
|
Prevalence - number of Australians with condition in 2004-05 |
2,100,700 |
|---|
Did you know?
- In 1999-2000, around 3.7 million Australians aged 25 years and over had high blood pressure or were on medication for that condition. This is around 32% of men and 27% of women.
- There has been a decline in the proportion of people with high blood pressure and/or receiving treatment since the 1980s. Average blood pressure levels have also reduced since the 1980s.
- High blood pressure was the problem most commonly managed by general practitioners in 2005-06.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples reported high blood pressure from a younger age than other Australians.
More information
Hospitalisations from high blood pressure (hospital data cubes)