May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Kazakhstan

The May Measurement Month (MMM) screening campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors to increase and improve population awareness of raised blood pressure (BP) and methods of prevention. The MMM is a cross-sectional survey of adults aged 18 years and over of both sexes who gave informed consent to participate in the survey and to have their BP measured. Kazakhstan participated in the campaign for the first time in 2021. Blood pressure was measured three times on a single occasion, and data on cardiovascular risk factors were collected. A total of 1763 respondents from 4 regions participated in the screening. The mean age was 41 ± 14.4 years; 31.5% of all participants were found to have hypertension, of whom 41.8% were aware, 34.0% on treatment, and only 15.8% controlled (<140/90 mmHg). Significant differences in these rates were found between age and sex groups. The screening campaign confirms low levels of awareness of hypertension and associated risk factors in the population in Kazakhstan and the need for annual screening and implementation of national hypertension control programmes.