Research Shows Australia Lagging Behind Other High-Income Nations in Hypertension Control
A Global Clarion Call to Prioritise the Cellular Dimension of Hypertension
Experts Encourage a Focus on Mitochondrial and Endothelial Health as part of Cardiovascular Care this World Hypertension Day (May 17, 2025)
The nation’s latest meta-analysis on hypertension has revealed that 56% of Australian adults with high measured blood pressure were not aware they met the clinical threshold for hypertension, highlighting the need for improved education in this area ahead of World Hypertension Day on 17 May.
What’s more, Australia is tracking behind other high-income nations when it comes to managing control rates of hypertension. While Australia’s control rate sits at 34%, countries such as Germany (58%), the USA (54%) and Canada (50%) report significantly higher rates of effective blood pressure management.
Hypertension, defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, affects approximately one in three Australian adults – equating to around 6.8 million people, according to a randomised population data. However, despite its prevalence, many Australians remain unaware of their blood pressure status. In fact, recent data from SiSU Health indicates that 63% of people have not had their blood pressure checked within the past 12 months.
Emerging science is deepening our understanding of the cellular mechanisms that contribute to long-term vascular health. A new study published in April 2025 shines a light on the role of oxidative stress in affecting endothelial function, the lining of our blood vessels, particularly in individuals with atrial fibrillation and hypertension.
“Oxidative stress is one of several factors that can influence the function of our endothelium,” said Dr Ross Walker, one of Australia’s leading Integrative Cardiologists. “This is an area where ongoing research is helping us piece together how various mechanisms, such as inflammation and mitochondrial activity, interact to influence cardiovascular wellbeing.”
The heart, being the most energy demanding organ in the body, like all muscles, depends on mitochondria to generate energy. These cellular energy centres also play a role in reducing oxidative stress, which may influence blood vessel function.
“Endogenously produced compounds like Ubiquinol are essential for mitochondrial energy production,” said Dr Walker. “As we age, particularly after the age of 20, our body’s ability to produce Ubiquinol naturally can declines due to multiple factors including higher levels of oxidative stress, impacting the energy production in the cells and affecting mitochondrial health. Ubiquinol plays a nutritional role in energy production, maintaining oxidative balance in cells and supporting endothelial (blood vessel) health.”