ARARAT - Every day millions of Australians are being stalked by a silent killer and don't even know it. Are you one of them?
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The National Stroke Foundation, in partnership with Chemmart Pharmacy took the blood pressure of the nation, hosting Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check and raising awareness of the risks associated with stroke.
Known as a 'silent killer' because there may be no symptoms, high blood pressure affects almost four million Australians over the age of 25, and most don't even know it, putting their health and lives at risk from stroke.
Stroke advocate and media personality Chris Bath urged people to be aware of their stroke risk.
Ms Bath witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of stroke after her father Don suffered a stroke in 2009.
"I was stunned to find out how many strokes are preventable and how much more needs to be done so other Australians don't end up like my Dad,'' Ms Bath said.
"Stroke is Australia's second biggest killer and leaves tens of thousands of Australians disabled. Shockingly the majority of strokes are preventable and, apart from the usual healthy lifestyle choices we all should make, the best way to guard against stroke is having simple, regular, blood pressure checks.
"There are no excuses; you can have a free, quick and simple blood pressure check at a pharmacy near you."
National Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Dr Erin Lalor said blood pressure checks were provided at capital city sites and Chemmart Pharmacies, including in Ararat, as part of Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check.