The Zoomer Report: Hypertension Study

Have you checked your blood pressure lately? High blood pressure or hypertension is the number one risk for heart attack and stroke, and a new study from the Heart and Stroke foundation finds that more than 20 per cent of Ontario’s adult population has this condition. That’s one in 4 men and one in 5 women. And more than half of the over 60 population is affected. The study, published in the “Canadian Medical Association Journal”, finds that some ethnic groups are at much higher risk than others. Those of Black and South Asian descent are three times more likely to have high blood pressure and it’s likely to develop at a younger age.

Here’s Dr. Sheldon Tobe:

“What that means is for people in the Black community and the South Asian community, even more so than those in the rest of the communities, they should make sure they know what their blood pressure is. They should be seeing their health practitioners, their family doctors regularly to make sure that they’re having their blood pressure measured. Particularly if they’re getting somewhat overweight, or someone in their family already has high blood pressure.”

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About The Zoomer Report

Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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