EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL SUPPLEMENTS

May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nigeria
Amusa GA, Wahab KW, Kolo PM, Odili A, Aje A, Iheonye H, Ogunmodede JA, Alaofin WA, Bello AH, Abubakar SA, Nwazor E, Ayoola Y, Okafor UH, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR and Omotoso AB
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Nigeria in 2022 to raise awareness of high blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the campaign's findings. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at public and private areas, pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, and a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities was completed. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled hypertension was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 5798 were screened, with a mean age of 44.2 years, and 54.8% were female. Of all participants, 2330 (40.2%) had hypertension, of whom 1362 (58.5%) were aware, and 1241 (53.3%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 522 (42.1%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 22.4% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Nigeria identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. There is a poor awareness and unacceptably high burden of hypertension among the Nigerian population. Urgent actions are required to improve the awareness of hypertension and reduce its associated health burden in Nigeria.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Colombia
Lopez-Lopez JP, Otero J, Urbina Z, Sanchez-Vallejo G, Narvaez C, Camacho PA, Urina-Triana M, Quintero A, Aroca G, Campo A, Arcos E, Perez-Mayorga M, Mosquera W, Garcia L, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR and Lopez-Jaramillo P
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Colombia in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at healthcare and public facilities in 11 departments. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 38 924 were screened, with a mean age of 46.3 years and 52.9% of whom were female. Of all participants, 10 738 (27.6%) had hypertension, of whom 7058 (65.7%) were aware, and 6925 (64.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 4600 (66.4%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 42.8% had controlled BP. However, those under 50 years had lower hypertension control (<30%). Women had a higher BP control than men (49.5% vs. 36.3%). High education was associated with lower systolic BP (-2.37 mmHg). The MMM campaign in Colombia identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. MMM22 results point to the need to continue improving awareness and seek a broader implementation of strategies with proven efficacy in controlling hypertension.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Argentina
De Cerchio A, Vásquez FG, Becerra PA, Rojas CA, Palacios K, Pesenti R, Pompozzi LA, Lagos AC, Sorasio V, Ghelfi AM, Zilberman JM, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR and Marin MJ
High blood pressure (BP) continues to be the leading cause of disability and death in the world over the years. With an unacceptably low rate of diagnosis and control, it challenges health systems in most countries. Thus, the Argentine Society of Arterial Hypertension (SAHA), in accordance with the May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative of the International Society of Hypertension, implemented for the sixth consecutive year a high BP detection campaign. A voluntary cross-sectional survey was conducted in public spaces and health centres during the month of May 2022. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP of ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP of ≥90 mmHg based on the second of two BP measurements, or in those receiving treatment for high BP. In total, 50 746 participants were examined, with a mean age of 54.8 (standard deviation 17.1) and 61.1% of whom were women. Of all participants, 30 361 (59.8%) had hypertension, of which 22 933 (75.5%) were aware, 21 997 (72.4%) were taking antihypertensive medication, and 10 116 (33.3%) were controlled to <140/90 mmHg. The mean BP was 131.7/80.4 (±20.8/±12.7) mmHg. After standardization by age and sex, 23 094 (45.5%) were found to have hypertension, of which 14 270 (61.8%) were aware of it. The poor level of hypertension control that is repeated over the years exposes insufficient efforts and ineffective strategies that should generate different approaches in both the medical field and in the community that reinforce strategies to increase awareness and control of hypertension.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from the Republic of the Congo
Ellenga Mbolla B, Kouala Landa CM, Bakekolo RP, Makani Bassakouahou JK, Ebatetou EA, Eyeni Sinomono T, Ngolo-Letomo K, Gankama T, Moualengué B, Kwealeu JP, Massinsa Kibongui RV, Gamboulou C, Mampouya Ondaye G, Ngolo Onanga V, Boungou Nkoueyi L, Mabongo D, Ondzotto G, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR and Gombet TR
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in the Republic of the Congo in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically in rural areas and some cities in Congo. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 8619 were screened, with a mean age of 44.8 years and 49.8% were female. Of those screened, 2596 (30.1%) reported previous COVID-19 vaccination, 476 (5.5%) reported diabetes, 422 (4.9%) reported previous myocardial infarction, 124 (1.4%) reported previous stroke, 1211 (14.1%) were current smokers, and 1237 (14.4%) reported daily alcohol intake. Of all participants, 3054 (35.4%) had hypertension, of whom 1331 (43.6%) were aware, and 944 (30.9%) were on antihypertensive medication, of whom 801 (84.9%) were on monotherapy and 116 (12.3%) on dual therapy. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 235 (24.9%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 7.7% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in the Republic of the Congo identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Therapeutic education must be more active, in addition to enhanced screening, facilitating access to care and making medication available.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Bangladesh
Malik FT, Al Mamun MA, Ishraquzzaman M, Kalimuddin M, Rahman MS, Jubayer S, Beaney T, Kerr G, Faruque M, Choudhury SR and Poulter NR
In Bangladesh, about one in four adults aged 18-69 years are hypertensive. Nationwide periodic blood pressure (BP) screening campaigns are helpful in identifying undiagnosed patients. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Bangladesh in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised BP. Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at 100 screening sites in 27 districts in Bangladesh. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with the completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 16 544 were screened, with a mean age of 47.4 years and 51.7% of whom were female. Of all participants, 9654 (58.4%) had hypertension, of whom 8593 (89.0%) were aware, and 8087 (83.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 4014 (49.6%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 41.6% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Bangladesh identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Ensuring effective detection and treatment of raised BP is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent death and disability due to high BP.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results in Greece
Menti A, Kollias A, Milionis H, Liontos A, Gkaliagkousi E, Kotsis V, Savopoulos C, Triantafyllou A, Zarifis I, Papadakis JA, Marketou M, Nikitas G, Maragkoudakis S, Makaris E, Krokidis X, Goumenos D, Papachristou E, Sarakis V, Lanaras L, Grassos C, Kalaitzidis RG, Kallistratos MS, Katsi V, Konstantinidis D, Kyriakoulis KG, Makris T, Manios E, Manolis A, Papadopoulos D, Pikilidou MI, Protogerou A, Sarafidis P, Theodorakopoulou M, Zebekakis P, Tsioufis K, Doumas M and Stergiou GS
Hypertension remains a major public health challenge with inadequate control globally. The May Measurement Month (MMM) global survey initiated by the International Society of Hypertension was implemented in Greece in 2022 aiming to raise hypertension awareness and control. Adult volunteers were recruited through opportunistic screening in 11 urban areas. Information on medical history and three sitting blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained using validated automated upper-arm devices, and the data were submitted online through a custom-designed app of the global MMM survey. Hypertension was defined as average systolic BP at least 140 mmHg and/or diastolic 90 mmHg, and/or self-reported use of drugs for hypertension. A total of 6353 individuals were included (mean age 54.8 ± 16.2 years, 49% men, 30.5% current smokers, 11.5% had diabetes, 5.1% cardiovascular disease). The prevalence of hypertension (42.6%) was higher in men (48.8%) and in older individuals (74%). Among individuals with hypertension, 27.5% were unaware of their diagnosis, 22.2% were treated but uncontrolled (≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic BP), and 47.9% were treated and controlled. Among treated hypertensives, 58.2% were on monotherapy and at least one-third of them were uncontrolled. The prevalence of hypertension in Greece seems to be high and is often undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled. Public health initiatives and campaigns aiming at improving hypertension diagnosis and control need to be implemented.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nepal
Kumar PR, Paudel K, Koirala S, Inagaki Y, Soti PB, Magar S, Sapkota A, Subedi G, Oliya S, Bhandari B, Bhattarai H, McLachlan CS, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR and Neupane D
Elevated blood pressure (BP) is the leading risk factor contributing to mortality in Nepal. May Measurement Month (MMM) is an annual global hypertension screening campaign that aims to improve awareness of high BP at the individual and the population levels. This study presents the results of the MMM study in 2022 in Nepal. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically from 32 out of the 77 districts in Nepal. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. A total of 13 120 adults were screened, with a mean age of 38.8 years and 52.1% being female. Of all participants, 2653 (20.2%) had hypertension, of whom 1115 (42.0%) were aware, and 948 (35.7%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 539 (56.9%) had controlled BP. Of all participants with hypertension, 20.3% had controlled BP. The MMM22 in Nepal identified that a large proportion of participants had undiagnosed, untreated, or uncontrolled hypertension. May Measurement Month is a community-based BP screening programme to lessen the burden of hypertension by raising awareness and identifying those who should seek care at health facilities.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Vietnam
Huynh Van M, Nguyen Lan V, Nguyen Vu Quoc H, Tran Kiem H, Nguyen Minh T, Tran Kim S, Ngo Van H, Nguyen Van T, Le Van T, Cao Truong S, Pham Viet T, Tran Phuoc H, To M, Nguyen Ta D, Doan Chi T, Tran Tu N, Poulter NR, Beaney T, Kerr G and Hoang Anh T
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Vietnam in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of increased blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically from 14 provinces and cities in Vietnam. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant along with the completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as the use of antihypertensive medication with a BP of <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputations were used to estimate the missing BP readings. In total, 11 796 were screened, with a mean age of 51.9 years and 58.2% were female. Of all participants, 4276 (36.2%) had hypertension, of whom 3232 (75.6%) were aware, and 2947 (68.9%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1297 (44.0%) had controlled BP; of all participants with hypertension, 30.3% had controlled BP. In total, 2979 (25.3%) were found to have either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with lower systolic BP (-2 mmHg, < 0.001), and having 12 or more years of education was associated with lower diastolic BP (-1.8 mmHg, < 0.001), while alcohol consumption, particularly at moderate to high frequencies, was positively associated with both systolic BP ( = 0.005) and diastolic BP ( = 0.010). Hormone replacement therapy use among women showed a positive association with both systolic (3.8 mmHg, = 0.005) and diastolic (2.6 mmHg, = 0.009) BPs. The MMM campaign in Vietnam identified a significant number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The need for targeted public health initiatives in Vietnam focused on hypertension awareness, lifestyle modification, and better management practices to enhance BP control.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Philippines
Mina ABC, Poulter NR, Beaney T, Kerr G, Diaz ABF, Ona DID, Bonzon DD, Vilela GC, Balmores BA, Co MT, Mallari GQ, Mendoza ES, Mercado-Asis LB, Defensor-Mina MV, Abasolo-Lao E, Dela Cruz PBE, Rabago NPG, Macabulos EM, Villanueva NJS, Asido CD, Angeles-Pines A, Bartolome RM, Yson B, Escano-Arias EAN, Yabut JEA, Fajardo ASVS, Narvacan-Montano C, Mirando-Gonzales LP, Eusebio AMC, Santos MRT and Domingo MAR
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in the Philippines in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at hospitals, doctor's clinics, health centres under local government units, private companies (pharmaceutical companies and corporates), drug stores, and others. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with the completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 42 526 were screened, with a mean age of 46.0 years, and 59.9% were female. Of all participants, 18 390 (43.2%) had hypertension, of whom 13 144 (71.5%) were aware, and 11 738 (63.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 2792 (23.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 15.2% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in the Philippines identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The campaign resulted in higher awareness with regard to hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and control.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Albania
Qirjako G, Tomini E, Draçini X, Ylli A, Hala R, Çumashi R, Bele S, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR and Burazeri G
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Albania in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at 27 sites across several districts of Albania. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 12 348 participants were screened, with a mean age of 49.9 (SD ±15.0) years and 59.5% of whom were female. Of all participants, 4908 (39.7%) had hypertension, of whom 3170 (64.6%) were aware, and 3053 (62.2%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1807 (59.2%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 36.8% had controlled BP. Mean systolic and/or diastolic BP was significantly higher among participants with no formal education and those with a sedentary lifestyle. Whilst, current smoking was positively related to high systolic BP only. The MMM campaign in Albania identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Findings from MMM22 underscore the critical need for enhanced hypertension screening management and follow-up care within the Albanian healthcare system.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from India
Maheshwari A, Verma N, Tewari A, Gupta A, Lalwani D, Maheshwari S, Verma A, Kaur A, Patil S, Kanchan S, Patni B, Jagadeesha A, Dantu R, More A, Gade A, Beaney T, Kerr G and Poulter NR
Hypertension is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Hypertension is becoming a major public health challenge in India, fuelled by urbanization, changing dietary habits, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in India in 2022 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the campaign findings. Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited opportunistically at screening sites (hospitals, camps, villages, etc.). Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completing a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 61 811 adults were screened, with a mean age of 43.1 years and 43.2% were female. Of all participants, 17 119 (27.7%) had hypertension, of whom 5835 (34.1%) were aware, and 4364 (25.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 2914 (66.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 17.0% had controlled BP. In total, 14 205 (23.0%) participants had either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The MMM22 campaign in India again identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive public health initiatives to improve BP detection and management in the population.
May Measurement Month 2022: results of blood pressure screening in 30 countries
Poulter NR, Kerr GK, Kiru G, McArdle H, Schlaich MP, Schutte AE, Stergiou GS and Beaney T
Erratum: RETRACTED AND REMOVED: May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Malawi
Ndhlovu H, Chirwa M, Mbulaje L, Chiwanda J, Kumwanje S, Beaney T, Kerr G and Poulter NR
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suaf080.][This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suaf084.].
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Ghana
Twumasi-Ankrah B, Kiddy-Kodua JO, Aniagyei M, Adu-Adadey M, Gatorwu S, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR, Osei-Agyemang C and Myers-Hansen GA
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Ghana in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited opportunistically at Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completing a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 3654 were screened, with a mean age of 38.3 years and 14.8% of whom were female. Of all participants, 1171 (32.0%) had hypertension, of whom 125 (10.7%) were aware, and 118 (10.1%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 23 (19.5%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 2.0% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Ghana identified a high proportion of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. It is important to note that the annual BP screening campaign is a means to create awareness of the need to get screened and also identifies large numbers of individuals with raised BP.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of screening results from Thailand
Kunanon S, Chotruangnapa C, Kotruchin P, Sukonthasarn A, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR and Roubsanthisuk W
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Thailand in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at hospitals and co-working spaces in all regions of Thailand. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with the completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 10 562 were screened, with a mean age of 50.4 years and 60.8% of whom were female. Of all participants, 4670 (44.2%) had hypertension, of whom 3416 (73.1%) were aware, and 3240 (69.4%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1957 (60.4%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 41.9% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Thailand identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Appropriate intervention after BP screening together with prescribing suitable BP-lowering regimens should be implemented to enhance BP control.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from the UK and Republic of Ireland
Pugh CJA, Williams AR, Beaney T, Kerr G, Dolan E, Hynes L, Rabbitt M, Cunnane P, Lip S, McCallum L, Parekh A, Modalavalasa H, Poulter NR and McDonnell BJ
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in the UK and Republic of Ireland (RoI) in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at hospitals, general practice surgeries, community pharmacies, universities, gyms, and various other public places. Three seated BP readings were taken on each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 3034 were screened, with a mean age of 55.2 (19.0) and 60.2% of whom were female. Of all participants, 1506 (49.6%) had hypertension, of whom 876 (58.2%) were aware, and 798 (53.0%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 382 (47.9%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 25.4% had controlled BP. The proportion of hypertension was similar between males and females, but females had better awareness, greater use of antihypertensive medication, and better medication-controlled BP than males. The MMM campaign in the UK and RoI identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. This evidence underscores the critical need for more effective strategies to improve BP detection and control in order to reduce the significant public health challenge and overall disease burden of hypertension.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Kazakhstan
Junusbekova G, Tundybayeva M, Baglanova L, Beaney T, Kerr G, Poulter NR, Berkinbayev S, Lisovenko O, Raushanova S and Mukhtarkhanova D
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Kazakhstan in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at hypermarkets in Almaty. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with the completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 2133 adults were screened, with a mean age of 46.5 years and 49.8% were female. Of all participants, 843 (39.5%) had hypertension, of whom 469 (55.6%) were aware, and 396 (47.0%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 172 (43.4%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 20.4% had controlled BP. In total, 671 (31.5%) were found to have either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The MMM campaign in Kazakhstan identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved screening, treatment, and management strategies for hypertension in Kazakhstan. Strengthening public health initiatives and increasing awareness can significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and improve population health outcomes.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Armenia
Zelveian P, Hakobyan Z, Gharibyan H, Aroyan S, Melkonyan A, Hazarapetyan L, Grigoryan S, Beaney T, Kerr G and Poulter NR
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Armenia in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically in public areas, both indoor and outdoor, as well as in primary and secondary healthcare centres. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 11 618 participants were screened, with a mean age of 52.4 (SD 16.5) years and 55.7% of whom were female. Of all participants, 5,999 (51.6%) had hypertension, of whom 3,729 (62.2%) were aware, and 3,203 (53.4%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 1,130 (35.3%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, only 18.8% had controlled BP. In total, 4,869 (41.9%) were found to have either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The MMM campaign in Armenia identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertensives. We found that the percentage of hypertensives who are not adequately treated is still substantial in Armenia, which is a vital contributor to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. May Measurement Month is a pragmatic and reasonably inexpensive tool to improve public awareness of BP in the general population.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Mexico
Alcocer L, Palomo S, Berumen Lechuga MG, Cerda-Mancillar MC, Acosta-Mass AG, Camarillo-Nava VM, Alvarez-Aguilar C, Garcia-Cortes LR, Rincon-Leon HA, Avila-Jimenez L, Beaney T, Kerr G and Poulter NR
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Mexico in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at first-contact health centres in several states of the Mexican Republic. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with the completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 41 953 adults were screened, with a mean age of 48.5 years and 58.2% were female. Of all participants, 16 888 (40.3%) had hypertension, of whom 14 465 (85.7%) were aware, and 14 265 (84.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 9712 (68.1%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 57.5% had controlled BP. In total, 7176 (17.1%) had either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. In conclusion, the MMM campaign in Mexico in 2022 identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Among those on antihypertensive medication, only two-thirds of them achieved controlled BP levels, despite receiving their medication at no direct cost to them, suggesting a significant problem of medical inertia.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Mozambique
Jessen N, Govo V, Amarcy S, Novela C, Antunes A, Nhantumbo A, Gelfi G, Ramirez L, Poulter NR, Beaney T, Kerr G and Damasceno A
The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Mozambique in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at Zambézia, Sofala, and Maputo city, in Northern, Central, and Southern regions of Mozambique, respectively. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 8276 were screened, with a mean age of 36.9 years and 61.6% of whom were female. Of all participants, 2486 (30.0%) had hypertension, of whom 1122 (45.1%) were aware, and 735 (29.6%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 285 (38.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 11.5% had controlled BP. In conclusion, the MMM campaign in Mozambique identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension, calling attention to the need to improve the overall hypertension care cascade. There is an urgent need to increase awareness, improve access to appropriate antihypertensive medication and better follow up those on treatment.
Expression of Concern: May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Malawi