A new Stroke Foundation report has revealed that the Northern Territory has the highest share of residents living with two of the biggest modifiable stroke risk factors.
The Economic Impact of Stroke report found that 1 in 4 (25 per cent) of NT residents are living with high blood pressure, while 1 in 9 (11 per cent) are smokers. These are the highest rates in the country.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says this is a concern.
"Living with risk factors for stroke is like living with a ticking time bomb that can explode at any time. Factors like uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise increase stroke risk and you never know when one will strike."
In 2023, 272 Northern Territory residents experienced a stroke and there are currently 2,559 survivors of stroke living in the Territory.
Dr Murphy is encouraging all Territorians to know their stroke risks and assess where they can make changes in their lives to reduce their risk.
"80 per cent of strokes are preventable and, by making lifestyle changes like exercising more, enjoying a balanced diet and quitting smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk," Dr Murphy said.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of having regular blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol checks to firstly identify if you these conditions, and then working with your GP on ways to manage and control them."
The Economic Impact of Stroke Report also estimates that the cost of strokes that occurred in 2023 on the Northern Territory's economy to be $138 million over a lifetime, equating to $532,000 per person.
These costs are associated with health care, hospital costs, home care, road ambulance, personal and carer costs and lost income and productivity.
"Stroke has a huge impact on the Northern Territory economy but it can be reduced through initiatives that lead to efficient treatment, improved hospital care, better post-discharge supports and education around prevention," Dr Murphy said.
" We will continue to advocate to the Northern Territory Government to fund Stroke Foundation programs, which there is currently no funding, to raise community awareness of stroke, promote prevention, improve treatment and reduce the burden of disease on all Territorians."
