Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor before changing your health routine or starting new supplements.
When it comes to our health, there’s an old saying: ‘What you don’t know can’t hurt you.’ Unfortunately, when it comes to high blood pressure—also known as hypertension—what you don’t know could be putting your life at risk.
A recent meta-analysis has revealed a truly alarming statistic: 56 per cent of Australians with high blood pressure are entirely unaware they have it.
That’s nearly three out of every four people walking around with a silent, potentially deadly condition. With World Hypertension Day coming up on 17 May, there’s never been a better time to get informed and take action.
Many people feel perfectly fine, even as their blood pressure quietly creeps up to dangerous levels. Regular blood pressure checks are necessary, especially for those over 60, when the risk increases.
According to the latest research, one in three Australian adults—about 6.8 million people—has high blood pressure, yet the vast majority don’t know it.
Even more concerning, Australia is lagging behind other high-income countries when it comes to managing and controlling hypertension.
Only 34 per cent of Australians with hypertension have it under control, compared to 58 per cent in Germany, 54 per cent in the USA, and 50 per cent in Canada.
And if you haven’t had your blood pressure checked in the last year, you’re not alone—63 per cent of Australians haven’t. That’s a lot of missed opportunities to catch a problem before it becomes serious.
Hypertension is often dubbed the ‘silent killer’ because it rarely causes obvious symptoms until it’s done significant damage to your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, or brain. It’s a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
It’s a significant risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and even dementia. The good news? It’s often manageable with lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.
While most of us know about the basics—eat well, move more, take your meds—emerging research shines a light on the cellular side of heart health.
Scientists are now looking at how the tiny powerhouses inside our cells, called mitochondria, and the lining of our blood vessels (the endothelium) play a role in blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
Dr Ross Walker, one of Australia’s leading integrative cardiologists, explained: ‘Oxidative stress is one of several factors that can influence the function of our endothelium. Ongoing research is helping us piece together how inflammation and mitochondrial activity interact to influence cardiovascular wellbeing.’
Mitochondria are responsible for generating the energy our hearts need to keep beating. Our mitochondria can become less efficient as we age, partly due to increased oxidative stress. This can affect how well our blood vessels function and, in turn, our blood pressure.
Walker pointed out that Ubiquinol, a form of Coenzyme Q10, is essential for mitochondrial energy production. Ubiquinol helps maintain oxidative balance and supports healthy blood vessels.
‘As we age, particularly after 20, our body’s ability to produce Ubiquinol naturally declines, impacting energy production in our cells and affecting mitochondrial health,’ he said.
While some Australians are already taking steps to manage their heart health, Walker encouraged a deeper understanding of how our internal systems work.
‘This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about recognising that many interconnected systems influence cardiovascular health in the body.’
The best approach to preventing and managing hypertension is a combination of regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some tips:
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly—at least once a year, or more often if you’re at risk.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Prioritise sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours each night.
- Manage stress: Try mindfulness, deep breathing, or simply spending time with friends and family.
- Talk to your doctor: If you’re over 60, have a family history of heart disease, or have other risk factors, ask about additional tests or supplements that might help.
Have you had your blood pressure checked recently? Do you have any tips for keeping your heart healthy? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
Also read: Are you unknowingly risking your health this winter by skipping these crucial jabs?
