MAY MEASUREMENT MONTH 2019. AN ANALYSIS OF BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING RESULTS IN CRETE, GREECE. (April 2021) - Papanikolaou, John A. Papadakis Kostas
Abstract: Objective: Worldwide, there is a high level of ignorance about elevated blood pressure (BP), which contributes to the large percentage of underdiagnosed and untreated hypertensive subjects. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of high BP and acting as a stimulus to improving screening programs. Design and method: An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged = > 18 years was carried out in May 2019. Each adult individual underwent evaluation by 3 sitting BP measurements, a dedicated questionnaire regarding awareness of hypertension (HT) and control of it and other cardiovascular risk factors. Screenings sites in hospitals, shopping centres, workplaces, community centres, GP practices, and pharmacies were set up across the island of Crete as part of this initiative. HT was defined as SBP > 140mmHg and/or DBP > 90mmHg (average of 2nd and 3rd BP measurement) or previous HT diagnosis. BP control was defined as SBP/DBP < 140/90 mmHg in treated hypertensives. Results: During this survey, a total of 1612 participants [729 (45.2%) men] were screened for high BP and associated risk factors. Their median age was 57 (range: 18–93) years. The prevalence of HT was 49.9% (57.9% in men and 43.4% in women; p < 0.001). Only 584 out of 805 hypertensives (72.5%) were treated. Among those on anti-hypertensive medication 70.0% were controlled. Among hypertensive subjects, 13.7% did not have any other cardiovascular risk factor, 41.2% had dyslipidaemia, 25.8% were diabetics, 23.6% were smokers and 58.8% were obese. Conclusions: This study reveals that arterial hypertension prevalence continue to rise, with poor blood pressure control. There is an urgent need to conduct further national level screening campaigns to identify individuals with raised BP. This will ensure early detection and management of BP thereby reducing complications associated with it.