Health check highlights risk of stroke for men and women

The Stroke Foundation has warned Australian men and women they are putting themselves at serious risk of disability or death.

The call comes after the group discovered more than 41 per cent of men had been urgently referred to their doctor after free blood pressure checks taking place across the nation.

Stroke Foundation chief executive Sharon McGowan said more than 3500 men have been found to be at high risk of stroke.

“These men – and their families – are the lucky ones," McGowan said. "They have taken advantage of the free checks, know their stroke risk and can now take action to reduce it. Those who have been referred on include young professionals, family men, tradies and retirees – stroke does not discriminate.”

McGowan added that 26 per cent of women tested had also been urgently referred onto their doctor, after discovering they were at high risk of stroke.

“This is a battle of the sexes no one wants to win,” she said.

Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check is being run by the Stroke Foundation in partnership with Priceline Pharmacy. The team aims to deliver 50,000 free blood pressure checks around the country and raise awareness of the risks associated with stroke.

The Stroke Foundation said blood pressure is one of the most important and modifiable risk factors. The group urged both men and women to continue to take advantage of the free checks.

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