May measurement month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Brazil

Abstract

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Brazil in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically, including a population with representation from all Brazilian states and reflects some of the characteristics of hypertension in Brazil. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication use. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 11 544 were screened, with a mean age of 53.4 years and 55.3% of whom were female. Of all participants, 6858 (59.4%) had hypertension, of whom 5548 (80.9%) were aware, and 5072 (74.0%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 2732 (53.9%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 39.8% had controlled BP. In total, 4126 (35.7%) were found to have either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The MMM campaign in Brazil identified high rates of hypertension among participants and about 60% of hypertensives were either untreated or inadequately treated, which are likely to be contributors to the major causes of death in the country