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May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Venezuela, Latin America
Rafael Hernández-Hernández1, Neil R Poulter2, Mónica L Gúzman-Franolic3
1Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Clinic, Dean of Health Sciences, Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
Insights
May Measurement Month 2019 in Venezuela identified nearly half of participants had hypertension. Many with high blood pressure were unaware or had uncontrolled conditions, highlighting an urgent need for cardiovascular risk factor management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in Venezuela.
- Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, and tobacco use are major contributors to cardiovascular mortality.
- The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign aims to increase global awareness of hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report findings from the May Measurement Month 2019 (MMM2019) campaign in Venezuela.
- To assess the prevalence and control of hypertension and associated cardiovascular risk factors in the Venezuelan population.
Main Methods:
- MMM2019 involved screening 24,672 individuals in Venezuela.
- Data collected included blood pressure, body mass index, and self-reported history of diabetes mellitus, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg.
Main Results:
- 48.9% of participants had hypertension, with 14.3% being previously undiagnosed.
- Among treated hypertensive individuals, 35.5% had uncontrolled blood pressure.
- Obesity (16.2%), overweight (34.0%), diabetes mellitus (9.4%), and smoking (7.3%) were prevalent risk factors.
- Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension in women were associated with higher blood pressure levels.
Conclusions:
- Repeated screening initiatives like MMM effectively identify hypertension and associated risk factors in Venezuela.
- There is a critical need for comprehensive programs for the detection, treatment, and control of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors in Venezuela.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in Venezuela. Raised blood pressure (BP) accompanied by diabetes mellitus, obesity, lipid abnormalities, and tobacco usage are the biggest contributors to mortality. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign is a global initiative aimed to raising awareness of hypertension, which has been conducted in Venezuela since 2017. MMM2019 included 24 672 subjects (mean age: 54.7 years, SD 25.2, 63.1% female). The proportion with hypertension was 48.9%; 14.3% were unknown hypertensives, 35.5% of those who receiving treatment had uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg); when considering all hypertensives, 53.3% were controlled. Sixty per cent of those on anti-hypertensive medication were on monotherapy, 27.7% were on two, and 7.7% were on three or more drugs. Body mass index, calculated for the total population, was on average 25.6 (SD: 4.8) kg/m2. 16.2% of participants were classified as obese, 34.0% as overweight, and 4.0% were classified as underweight. Diabetes mellitus was reported by 9.4%, smoking by 7.3%, and 10.5% reported drinking alcohol regularly. Conditions associated with higher BP levels were obesity, diabetes mellitus, and women with a history of hypertension during a previous pregnancy. These results are consistent with the two previous MMM campaigns and indicate that repeated screening can routinely identify hypertension. There is an urgent need for Venezuela to implement programmes of detection, treatment, and control not only for hypertension but also for other common cardiovascular risk factors.
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