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May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Argentina
Martin R Salazar1, Fortunato Garcia Vazquez1, Walter G Espeche1
1Sociedad Argentina de Hipertensión Arterial, Tte. Gral. Juan Domingo Perón 1479, Piso 2 "4", C1037ACA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Insights
High blood pressure affects over half of Argentinians surveyed. Despite awareness and treatment, hypertension control remains low, highlighting the need for community prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The International Society of Hypertension's May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative promotes global hypertension screening.
- The Argentinean Society of Hypertension participated in MMM for the third consecutive year.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and control of hypertension in Argentina.
- To evaluate the impact of overweight and obesity on blood pressure levels.
Main Methods:
- A volunteer cross-sectional survey conducted in public spaces and health centers across 33 Argentinian cities in May 2019.
- Hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or current antihypertensive treatment.
- Data collected from 94,523 participants, including BP measurements, weight, height, and treatment status.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of hypertension was 52.5%.
- Individuals who were overweight or obese had significantly higher BP compared to normal-weight individuals.
- Despite high awareness (81.1%) and treatment rates (77.7%), only 46.0% of hypertensive individuals achieved controlled blood pressure.
- 19.8% of participants not on medication had elevated blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of hypertension and a low level of blood pressure control were observed in the surveyed Argentinian population.
- Overweight and obesity are significant contributing factors to elevated blood pressure.
- There is a critical need for enhanced community-based prevention and management strategies to improve hypertension awareness and control.
Abstract:
The Argentinean Society of Hypertension, in agreement with the May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative of the International Society of Hypertension, implemented for the third consecutive year a hypertension screening campaign. A volunteer cross-sectional survey was carried out in public spaces and health centres during the month of May 2019 across 33 cities in Argentina. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg based on the mean of the second and third BP measurements, or in those on treatment for high BP. A total of 94 523 individuals (53.9 ± 17.8 years old, 55 231women and 39 292 men), were evaluated. The age and sex standardized mean BP was 124.7/77.2 mmHg. Among participants, 34.7% were overweight (25-29.9 m/kg2) and 28.7% had obesity (≥30 m/kg2). Individuals identified as being overweight had BP 3/2 mmHg higher and individuals with obesity 6/4 mmHg higher than those with normal weight. The prevalence of hypertension was 52.5%. Although 81.1% were aware and 77.7% were on antihypertensive treatment, only 46.0% of all individuals with hypertension had their BP controlled. Moreover, 19.8% of those not on any antihypertensive medication were found with raised BP. The low level of control of hypertension generates the critical need for the development of community-based prevention strategies reinforcing strategies to increase the awareness and control of hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
01:21Sites for measruring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
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.