By Tara Murray
Residents in Lalor are tipped to be among those most heavily impacted by strokes in the next 30 years, according to new Stroke Foundation data.
The foundation has released the No Postcode Untouched 2020 study which looks at who is impacted by strokes and forecasts stroke figures.
The Lalor electorate, which covers much of Wyndham, is expected to be one of the top electorates for people living with stroke and the number of new stroke cases in a given year by 2050.
Lalor sits second behind Melbourne in the predicted top 20 electorates in Australia, ahead of the Gorton electorate (which includes part of Eynesbury, Mount Cottrell and Truganina) in seventh for both categories and Gellibrand (which includes, Altona Meadows, Laverton, and Seabrook, and parts of Laverton North, Point Cook and Williams Landing) thirteenth.
The study predicted that by 2050, 7431 Lalor residents will have experienced a stroke, along with 6856 Gorton residents and 6486 Gellibrand residents.
None of those four electorates were in the top 20 for stroke incidence and prevalence in 2020.
The study also looked at risk factors for stroke and found Lalor and Calwell residents had a prevalence of high blood pressure and high cholesterol in 2020. Lalor and Gorton had a high number of daily smokers.
All three electorates also recorded a high number of residents considered to be overweight or obese.
Stroke Foundation clinical council chair Bruce Campbell said high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, was a key risk factor for stroke and the most modifiable.
He said having your blood pressure checked was easy, painless and potentially life-saving, but was too often overlooked.
“I know the new year is a time for resolutions and a fresh start for many,” Professor Campbell said.
“This year, rather than jumping straight into long-term health goals like getting fit or losing a few kilos, start with a blood pressure check at your doctor or pharmacy.
“It’s like checking your car is in good working order before a big road trip.”
Professor Campbell said the only way to know if you have high blood pressure was to have it checked regularly.
“High blood pressure has no immediate symptoms … is also a risk for other cardiovascular conditions and increases the risk of death from the coronavirus.
“High blood pressure can impact people of all ages, but it can be managed through medication, minimising salt intake and living a healthy, active lifestyle.
“Research has shown the number of strokes would be almost cut in half (48 per cent reduction) if high blood pressure alone was eliminated.”
