Professor Michael Kidd, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, addressed the National Hypertension Summit in Adelaide, emphasizing the urgent need to improve hypertension prevention and management. He highlighted significant statistics regarding hypertension in Australia, calling for a concerted effort to raise awareness and enhance treatment rates.
Kidd began his address by acknowledging the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the land, and paying respect to local Elders. He noted that hypertension is a prevalent and preventable cause of cardiovascular disease in Australia, affecting approximately 6.8 million adults. Alarmingly, about half of these individuals remain unaware of their condition, while only 32% receive effective treatment.
In December 2022, the Australian Government, under the leadership of Honourable Mark Butler MP, launched the National Hypertension Taskforce. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance and Hypertension Australia, aims to tackle the significant public health challenge posed by high blood pressure. Kidd commended the taskforce’s collaborative approach, which includes contributions from various health professionals and organizations.
Kidd pointed out the severe health implications of uncontrolled hypertension, which can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and even dementia. He referenced findings from the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, indicating that addressing modifiable risk factors could potentially prevent up to 45% of global dementia cases.
The global context of hypertension is equally concerning, with an estimated 1.6 billion adults living with the condition worldwide. According to a recent United Nations report, only 1 in 5 of these individuals have their hypertension under control. The UN has called for increased efforts in prevention and treatment, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Kidd emphasized the taskforce’s goal to raise blood pressure control rates in Australia from 32% to 70% by 2030. He acknowledged that while this target is ambitious, achieving higher rates of control is crucial to reduce health inequities, particularly among disadvantaged populations.
The taskforce’s strategic plan focuses on three key pillars: prevention, detection, and effective treatment. Kidd noted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in achieving better health outcomes. He expressed gratitude for the involvement of various health professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, and community organizations.
As the first general practitioner to serve as Chief Medical Officer, Kidd stressed his commitment to supporting evidence-based prevention and wellness initiatives. He highlighted the necessity of lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet, regular physical activity, and stress management, in the fight against hypertension.
The role of general practitioners is vital, given that they conduct around 160 million consultations annually in Australia. Kidd urged clinicians to prioritize blood pressure monitoring during every patient encounter, as it can lead to early detection and management of hypertension.
Kidd shared insights from his extensive experience in general practice, highlighting the need for personalized care and education to improve patient adherence to treatment plans. He acknowledged that many patients struggle with medication adherence due to various factors, including side effects and costs.
To address these challenges, Kidd led the development of Australia’s new National Medicines Strategy, which aims to ensure equitable access to high-quality medications. This strategy supports initiatives such as single pill combinations to simplify treatment regimens and enhance adherence.
A significant development in hypertension management is the Australian Government’s implementation of 60-day dispensing for antihypertensives. This policy has already resulted in substantial savings for patients and the government, but Kidd noted that further efforts are needed to increase uptake.
Kidd concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of systematic screening and prevention strategies. He referenced the Red Book, a key guideline for Australian general practitioners, which recommends screening all adults for hypertension. The goal is not only to detect undiagnosed cases but also to engage patients in their healthcare decisions actively.
In his closing remarks, Kidd called for collaboration among health professionals and stakeholders to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. He reiterated the need to address health inequities and to ensure that all Australians have access to effective hypertension management.
