May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Argentinean cohort

Hypertension continues to be the leading cause of death and disability in the industrialized world, with a high level of unawareness and unacceptably poor control. Therefore, the Argentinian Society of Hypertension, in agreement with the May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative of the International Society of Hypertension, implemented for the second consecutive year an educational campaign during the month of May 2018. A volunteer cross-sectional survey was carried out in public spaces and health centres during the month of May 2018 across 33 cities in Argentina. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) >= 140 mmHg or diastolic BP >= 90 mmHg based on the mean of the 2nd and 3rd of three consecutive BP measurements, or in those on treatment for high BP. Statistical analysis including multiple imputation followed the MMM protocol. A total of 70 418 individuals were screened during MMM18, after excluding those under 18 years old. Of the total, 43.8% of participants were classified as hypertensive, 77.7% were aware of their diagnosis, 69.1% were on pharmacological treatment, and 38.7% were controlled. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 56.0% were controlled. It is necessary to rein-force strategies not only to increase the awareness and control of hypertension but also to identify the population groups, in which these strategies would have the greatest impact, helping to reduce the enormous health burden attributed to hypertension.