High blood pressure control remains a challenge in Australia
01 Jun 2026
According to the latest figures, around 39% of Australian adults were living with hypertension in 2022. Rates were highest among older Australians, with about 85% of people aged 75 years and over affected by the condition.
Despite the high prevalence, only around four in 10 Australians with hypertension have their blood pressure under control. This falls well below the National Hypertension Taskforce’s goal of achieving a 70% control rate by 2030.
Experts say Australia is behind countries such as Canada, where blood pressure control rates are significantly higher. Members of the National Hypertension Taskforce believe improvements can be achieved through better screening, updated treatment approaches and stronger community awareness.
An updated national guideline for diagnosing and managing hypertension is expected later this year. The current guideline has not been revised since 2016, and experts say new recommendations will help bring Australia more in line with international best practice.
Professor Charlotte Hespe said greater focus is needed on early detection, home blood pressure monitoring and achieving lower treatment targets where appropriate. She also highlighted the importance of addressing concerns about lowering blood pressure, noting that uncontrolled hypertension poses a greater health risk than blood pressure that is slightly too low.
Professor Mark Nelson said older Australians are often undertreated due to concerns about side effects. However, evidence shows that appropriate blood pressure treatment can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other serious cardiovascular events.
Recent PBS changes now allow some combination blood pressure medicines to be prescribed as an initial treatment option. Experts also stress that lifestyle measures, including reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol consumption and improving overall cardiovascular health, remain important alongside medication.
High blood pressure control remains a challenge in Australia
Source: newsGP / Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)