New test for high blood pressure to save lives Researchers and clinicians at RNSH have welcomed Federal Government funding to improve the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure. The condition affects around one in three people in Australia, significantly test to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension. It involves wearing a device which can monitor blood pressure continuously over 24 hours, rather than the snapshot generally provided by GP blood pressure monitoring.
increasing the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Men are more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure, with 1 in 4 men suffering untreated high blood pressure, compared to 1 in 5 women. Many people don’t experience any symptoms and don’t realise they have the condition, raising their chances of serious illness. From next month however, the community will have donated to Royal North Shore Hospital’s cancer centre and operating theatre as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. Non-profit Buddhist charity Tzu Chi Foundation donated the range of handmade items for patients and staff to help try and lift their spirits and raise awareness of mental health. Cansupport Coordinator Tamara Doria said the donation was much appreciated by patients and staff. “Staff at the cancer centre are most grateful for the ear savers – they certainly relieve pressure from masks in these difficult working times,” she said.
Senior hospital scientist within the Department of Cardiology and Kolling researcher Dr Anastasia Mihailidou has welcomed the announcement. As one of the initiating members of a select committee of the High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia, Dr Mihailidou advocated for greater access to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Senior hospital scientist within the Department of Cardiology and Kolling researcher Dr Anastasia Mihailidou
“Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is the gold standard diagnostic test for improving the diagnosis of hypertension and much better than in-clinic blood pressure measurement,” she said. “I am delighted this important step has been taken and grateful that Health Minister Greg Hunt has recognised our
greater access to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, regarded as the best available work on the committee.” It’s anticipated more than 400,000 people will benefit from the improved testing over the next 12 months. gENEROUS DONATION DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH Colourful caps, bags and ear savers, to relieve pressure from masks, have been She has backed the listing of the test on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, saying it’s an important milestone in tackling the silent killer of high blood pressure and hypertension.
Cansupport Coordinator Tamara Doria and Sharon from Tzu Chi Foundation
“The colourful caps make such an impact on our patients’ wellbeing, helping them through what is normally such a difficult time but especially over these past 18 months. “The chemo or drain carry bags support patients to continue their treatment outside of the hospital whilst ensuring their dignity and privacy by having the choice of such lovely designs. “Both our outpatients and inpatients love them – we
can’t thank the Tzu Chi Foundation enough for their generous donations.” Clinical nurse consultant at RNSH’s operating suite Rebecca Fox said: “ When the beautiful and colourful caps were donated to RNSH’s Operating Theatres during busy COVID-19 times, there was much excitement.” “The nurses were thrilled to have been gifted new cloth theatre caps – thank you so much.”
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