Territorians face highest stroke risk in Australia, report warns

A new report has revealed the Northern Territory has the country’s highest rates of key stroke risk factors.

Stroke warning for Territorians.

Territorians are more at risk of stroke than anywhere else in Australia, with a new report revealing the NT has the nation’s highest rates of high blood pressure and smoking.

The Stroke Foundation’s Economic Impact of Stroke report found that 25 per cent of NT residents have high blood pressure, while 11 per cent are smokers—both major contributors to stroke.

“Living with risk factors for stroke is like living with a ticking time bomb that can explode at any time,” said Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Lisa Murphy.

In 2023, more than 250 Territorians suffered a stroke, with the lifetime economic cost of those strokes projected to hit $138 million. Dr Murphy urged residents to act now, with 80 per cent of strokes preventable through lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising, and managing blood pressure.

“We need better prevention programs and government support to reduce the burden of stroke in the NT,” she said.

With no dedicated funding for Stroke Foundation programs in the Territory, advocates are pushing for action before the NT’s stroke crisis worsens.

Originally published as Territorians face highest stroke risk in Australia, report warns