National Stroke Week 2025: how high blood pressure silently increases your stroke risk

Did you know that one in three Australian adults has high blood pressure, yet many don't even realise it? This National Stroke Week (4–10 August 2025), we’re shining a light on how high blood pressure, the "silent killer" can dramatically raise your stroke risk - and the simple stroke prevention steps that could save your life.

The hidden danger: why high blood pressure is called the "silent killer"

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects approximately 6.8 million people in Australia, many unknowingly carrying a silent but serious risk to their heart and brain health.

Most people with high blood pressure don't experience noticeable symptoms until severe damage has already occurred. Often called the “silent killer”, hypertension can go undetected for years, yet it’s the leading modifiable risk factor for strokes.

How high blood pressure causes strokes

Understanding the connection between high blood pressure and stroke causes could save your life or that of a loved one. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture of a blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke). High blood pressure is a major contributor to both types:

• High blood pressure damages the inner lining of your arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup and blood clots, which can obstruct blood flow to the brain.
• This weakens the structural integrity of blood vessel walls, increasing the likelihood of rupture and bleeding into the brain.

Over time, uncontrolled hypertension puts increasing strain on the vascular system, quietly paving the way for a stroke. Regular monitoring and timely treatment are crucial to reducing the risk or preventing a stroke.

Critical research findings for stroke prevention

A major international study in 2017 found that up to 80% of strokes could be prevented through proper blood pressure management and medication.

How to spot the signs of high blood pressure

While hypertension is often symptomless, some people experience:

• persistent headaches
• dizziness or light-headedness
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• visual changes
• nosebleeds

Even without symptoms, high blood pressure can cause serious internal damage. Fortunately, hypertension is highly manageable with early detection, lifestyle modifications and effective treatment.

Simple steps to lower your stroke risk

This National Stroke Week, we encourage you to:

• Get your blood pressure checked regularly, even if you feel well.
• Ask your doctor if your current treatment plan is still the best option. Hypertension is easy to overlook, even by health professionals, because it rarely shows symptoms.
• Advocate for yourself - don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if your concerns aren’t being addressed or you feel like your condition isn’t under control.
• Learn the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke - you could save a life.

F.A.S.T. stroke recognition signs

• Face: does one side droop when smiling?
• Arms: can both arms be raised and held up?
• Speech: is speech slurred or strange?
• Time: call 000 immediately if you notice any signs

The long-term impact a stroke can have on families and carers

A stroke just doesn’t change a life; it changes entire families.

Stroke survivors often face:

• Permanent disability requiring lifelong care
• Loss of independence and earning capacity
• Significant emotional and financial strain on families
• Need for home modifications and ongoing therapies

If medical negligence contributed to your or a loved one's stroke, you may be entitled to compensation to help rebuild your life and access necessary care. Our team of specialist medical negligence lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options and to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Your legal options when medical care falls short

At Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, we represent clients who have suffered strokes due to poorly managed hypertension, often where early warning signs were missed, or treatment was below a reasonable standard.

Common medical negligence scenarios include:

• Failure to diagnose high blood pressure during routine visits
• Inadequate monitoring of blood pressure and treatment
• Dismissing patient concerns about symptoms or medication side effects
• Failure to adjust treatment when blood pressure remains uncontrolled
• Missing red flags that your blood pressure is uncontrolled

Unfortunately, these oversights have led to devastating, often avoidable outcomes. But with the right legal support, our clients have been able to rebuild their lives.

Think your stroke could have been prevented? Speak to our team today for a free, confidential consultation.

Resources and support

For further resources and support services, visit the Stroke Foundation’s website.

For information on blood pressure and monitoring tools, visit the Heart Foundation’s website.

Need legal advice about medical negligence?

At Maurice Blackburn, our medical negligence lawyers have extensive experience helping Australians navigate these complex claims. 

We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you through every step of the legal process. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you don’t pay our fees unless we win your case.

Contact us for a free initial consultation

We offer free initial consultations to assess your situation and give guidance on your next steps, with no obligation to proceed with us if you don’t want to. Contact us for a free initial consultation now.