May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Hungary

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Hungary in 2023 to improve awareness of high blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at hospitals, outpatient clinics, pharmacies, workplaces or patients’ home throughout Hungary in 20 centres. Three seated BP readings were taken in each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 3339 were screened, with a mean age of 50.5 years and 66.3% of whom were female. Of all participants, 1631 (48.8%) had hypertension, of whom 1186 (72.7%) were aware, and 1146 (70.3%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 666 (58.1%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 40.8% had controlled BP. The ratio of controlled BP was higher in treated women (61.1%) compared with men (52.5%) (P=0.005).

The MMM campaign in Hungary identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The control rate of treated hypertensive patients was higher compared with the world average control rate with sex differences, which supports the success of national screening campaigns and the need of consideration of sexual characteristics in hypertension care.