Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Measuring Blood Pressure in Mice using Volume Pressure Recording, a Tail-cuff Method
Published on: May 15, 2009
[Measurement, monitoring and knowledge of blood pressure: May Measurement Month, Colombia 2017]
J Otero1, P A Camacho2, L M Gómez-Peña3
1Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander (FOSCAL) y Universidad de Santander (UDES), Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia.
Insights
High blood pressure (HBP) affects 20.8% of Colombian adults, with many unaware and poorly controlled cases. This highlights the need for better detection and treatment programs to reduce cardiovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative promoting blood pressure monitoring.
- Hypertension awareness and control remain significant public health challenges worldwide.
- Colombia faces a substantial burden of cardiovascular diseases linked to hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) in the adult Colombian population.
- To raise awareness about the importance of blood pressure measurement and monitoring.
- To evaluate the level of hypertension control and awareness within the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey conducted in 11 Colombian departments.
- Data collected from 21,797 adult participants following International Society of Hypertension guidelines.
- Inclusion of cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure readings.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of HBP was 20.8% among participants.
- Among those with HBP, 46.5% had uncontrolled blood pressure readings.
- A significant 26.4% of individuals were unaware of their hypertension, representing new cases.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of elevated blood pressure and poor control in young Colombian adults.
- Substantial lack of awareness regarding hypertension necessitates improved screening programs.
- Effective detection and standardized treatment are crucial for reducing cardiovascular events.
Aim:
To describe the findings of implementing May Measurement Month 2017 in the adult Colombian population to raise awareness of the importance of blood pressure measuring, monitoring, and awareness.
Materials And Methods:
May Measurement Month is a cross-sectional survey that follows the directives of the International Society of Hypertension and the World Hypertension League, which gathers information on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure readings. Its implementation in Colombia was lead by the Santander Ophthalmological Foundation (FOSCAL) and the Latin American Society of Hypertension (LASH) with the support of the Colombian Network for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (RECARDI).
Results:
Data was collected from 11 departments on 21,797 people, 58.7% of whom were female, with an average age of 40.5±17.7 years. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) was 20.8% (self-reported antihypertensive treatment or systolic blood pressure reading [systolic blood pressure≥140mmHg]). Of the total number of hypertensives, 46.5% had systolic blood pressure readings classified as uncontrolled (systolic blood pressure<140mmHg), and 26.4% were unaware that they were hypertensive who, in this report, we consider to be new cases of HBP.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of (elevated) blood pressure is high in this young adult population, whose lack of awareness of HBP is also high, and HBP in those aware of their condition is poorly controlled. These results highlight the need to implement effective detection programmes for hypertensive patients and to establish standardised treatments to improve HBP control as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular events.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
02:57Definition and Measurement of Pressure: Atmospheric Pressure, Barometer, and Manometer
01:16Measurement of Fluid Pressure
A basic form of manometer is the piezometer, a vertical tube open at the top and filled with the same...
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...