It's World Hypertension Day today and the 2026 theme of "Controlling Hypertension Together: check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer” is at the core of AUS HEARTS.
In Australia, 2 in 5 adults have hypertension. Even more alarmingly, 63%, or 4.5 million, of these adults don't know they have hypertension (1). Not only does that mean may not be receiving treatment, but they are also unaware that they are at an increased of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death. In Western NSW, the prevalence of hypertension is 10% higher, than the rest of the state.
Hypertension can be a “silent killer”, as it usually has no symptoms. World Hypertension Day is a good reminder for all; individuals, families, communities, and the healthcare system, to check their blood pressure and act early.
Early detection saves lives. The AUS HEARTS research project aims to work with primary care services to improve the detection, management and treatment of hypertension in rural and remote Australia.
We have started early consultation with local primary care providers. If you're interested, please reach out and get involved in shaping how hypertension care is delivered in primary care to improve health outcomes for your patients.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Hypertension in Australia. 15 May 2026 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/risk-factors/hypertension/contents/about
