Media release: Thursday 2 April, 2026
Heart Foundation welcomes decision to add single-pill blood pressure treatments to the PBS
The Heart Foundation has welcomed the Australian Government's decision to add single-pill combination therapies for high blood pressure - known clinically as hypertension - to the PBS from 1 April this year, a move that will make it more convenient and affordable for people to take their medicines.
High blood pressure is a significant health problem in Australia: estimates show that one in every three adults has high blood pressure, placing them at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. Of those on medication, only a third will reach an optimal blood pressure.
Heart Foundation Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Garry Jennings AO, said most people with high blood pressure need more than one medicine to achieve good control.
"Improving adherence to blood pressure medication is one of the most effective ways to reduce preventable cardiovascular events," Professor Jennings said.
"However, the need to take multiple medications can lead to poor adherence, either because of cost or forgetfulness.
People are more likely to take their medication as prescribed when treatment is simple, which translates directly into better blood pressure control, so we commend the Australian Government for its decision to add this category of drugs to the PBS."
Professor Garry Jennings AO
Chief Medical Adviser
Hypertension in Australia - a major health challenge
The Heart Foundation is working closely with the Stroke Foundation and the National Hypertension Taskforce to update Australia's hypertension guidelines as estimates show that millions of adults in Australia have high blood pressure.
