May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Malaysia
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Published on: September 26, 2018
Yook Chin Chia1,2, Siew Mooi Ching3,4, Navin Kumar Devaraj3,4
1Department of Medical Sciences, School of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Sunway University, 5 Jalan University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Insights
This study screened 4866 individuals for hypertension in Malaysia, finding a 28.9% prevalence. Blood pressure screening programs significantly increased hypertension awareness, highlighting their importance for public health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hypertension is a leading global cause of mortality, with high prevalence and low awareness in Malaysia.
- Undiagnosed hypertension poses a significant public health challenge, necessitating targeted screening initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen a large population in Malaysia for undiagnosed hypertension.
- To assess the prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension within the screened population.
Main Methods:
- Opportunistic sampling recruited 4866 adults (≥18 years) across diverse Malaysian settings.
- Data collection included socio-demographic, environmental, lifestyle questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements.
- Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or current antihypertensive medication use.
Main Results:
- A hypertension prevalence of 28.9% (1405/4866) was identified.
- The awareness rate among hypertensive individuals was 76.3%, a substantial increase compared to national figures.
- Among those on medication, 62.4% achieved controlled blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Blood pressure screening programs are effective in increasing hypertension awareness in Malaysia.
- Annual screening initiatives are recommended to further combat undiagnosed hypertension and improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
Abstract:
Hypertension continues to be the top global killer, contributing to over 10 million deaths annually. As prevalence and unawareness of hypertension remain high in Malaysia, this study was aimed to screen more individuals to identify those with undiagnosed hypertension. Respondents aged ≥18 years were recruited through opportunistic sampling at various screening sites including health clinics, hospitals, student health centres, universities, community halls, shopping malls, as well as through other health screening campaigns. Each respondent completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic, environmental, and lifestyle data. Anthropometric measurements as well as three blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained from all participants. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. The total number of participants was 4866. The mean age of the participants was 39.8 (17.6) years with 61.1% female participants. Of the 4866 participants, 1405 (28.9%) had hypertension. The proportion of those aware of their hypertension status was 76.3% (1073/1405). The proportion of those with hypertension on medication was 71% (998/1405). Of those receiving antihypertensive treatment, 62.4% (623/998) had controlled BP. The proportion of hypertension in this study was 28.9%. The awareness rate of 76.3% compares favourably to a previously reported national level of 43.2%. Hence, BP screening programmes may be effective at increasing awareness and should be conducted annually.
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