May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Poland

Abstract

May Measurement Month 2019 is the third edition of a global initiative organized by the International Society of Hypertension aimed at raising awareness of hypertension and the need for blood pressure (BP) screening. We present data analysis from Poland. To evaluate the potential of opportunistic BP measurements as a tool for cardiovascular disease prevention programmes. To collect new country data for further annual comparisons. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 was carried out in 201 sites in May 2019. BP was measured in 7072 subjects (mean age: 54 ± 15 years; 62.3% females). After multiple imputation, the age- and sex-standardized systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) was 125.4/78.5 mmHg in the whole group, 133.3/82.8 mmHg in individuals on antihypertensive medication and 123.3/77.7 mmHg in those not taking antihypertensive drugs. The proportion of subjects with high BP (≥140/90 mmHg) were 41.8% in subjects taking antihypertensive drugs, and 19.6% in those not taking any antihypertensive drugs. Overall, hypertension was present in 55.4% of participants (3917 out of 7072), of whom 83.0% were aware of their diagnosis. 80.4% of hypertensives were taking antihypertensive medication. 46.7% of all hypertensives had BP controlled to target (<140/90 mmHg). Higher BP correlated with body mass index and age but not tobacco smoking. SBP but not DBP was higher in diabetic participants. These data provide evidence on the current epidemiology of hypertension and may serve as a source of information to introduce primary and secondary prevention programmes to reduce cardiovascular risk in Poland.

What Is or What Is Not a Risk Factor for Arterial Hypertension? Not Hamlet, but Medical Students Answer That Question

“…In Poland, the percentage of adult patients with hypertension, according to a study conducted on an unrepresentative group of volunteers by Sęk-Mastej et al, is 55.4% [6]. This study also found that 83% of hypertensive persons were aware that they had hypertension, whereas only 46.7% had controlled blood pressure (BP), that is <140/90 mmHg [6].…”

“…In Poland, the percentage of adult patients with hypertension, according to a study conducted on an unrepresentative group of volunteers by Sęk-Mastej et al, is 55.4% [6]. This study also found that 83% of hypertensive persons were aware that they had hypertension, whereas only 46.7% had controlled blood pressure (BP), that is <140/90 mmHg [6]. Hypertension is a risk factor for many diseases, including chronic kidney disease, aortic dissection, stroke and ischemic heart disease, significantly shortening life expectancy in the general population [7].…”

May Measurement Month 2017–2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Lithuania

“…However, a larger proportion of treated individuals had uncontrolled hypertension in Lithuania compared with Poland and Hungary. 12 , 13 This indicates a low health literacy and ineffective therapy, possibly involving improperly selected regimens and doses or poor medication adherence.…”

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

“… 6 In Poland's 2017 campaign, 49.0% of individuals treated for hypertension had uncontrolled BP, and for 2018 and 2019 were 39.2% and 41.8%, respectively. 6 , 7 , 8 The first three campaigns have shown that opportunistic screening can identify substantial numbers of individuals with raised BP whether they were previously unaware or inadequately treated. 6 , 7 , 8 The MMM campaign was continued in 2021, with the aim of improving awareness of raised BP.…”

“… 6 , 7 , 8 The first three campaigns have shown that opportunistic screening can identify substantial numbers of individuals with raised BP whether they were previously unaware or inadequately treated. 6 , 7 , 8 The MMM campaign was continued in 2021, with the aim of improving awareness of raised BP.…”