May Measurement Month 2023: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Argentina

Abstract

High blood pressure (BP) is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease with a high prevalence in the adult population despite advances in its diagnosis and treatment. In accordance with the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign, BP screening was conducted in 2023 by the Argentina Society of Arterial Hypertension (SAHA), to raise awareness of raised BP. This article reports the results of the campaign. A voluntary cross-sectional survey was conducted in public spaces and health centres from May to September 2023. Volunteer adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling. Two BP readings were taken in each participant, and a questionnaire completed collecting information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90mmHg, or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90mmHg. In total, 39,391 were screened, with a mean age of 57.5 years and 63.4% of whom were female. Of all participants, 24,777 (62.9%) had hypertension, of whom 21,044 (84.9%) were aware, and 20,775 (83.8%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 11,642 (56.0%) had control, and of all participants with hypertension, 47.0% had controlled BP.

The MMM campaign in Argentina identified a substantial number of participants with untreated but more frequently inadequately treated hypertension. BP control has not significantly improved over the years. It is essential to implement more effective strategies, such as treatment adjustments, lifestyle changes, and close patient monitoring, to improve control and reduce long-term risks.