May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Armenia

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden and is the leading cause of mortality and disability-adjusted life years globally. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed to raise awareness of high BP and to act as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programs worldwide and was conducted in Armenia in 2023. Participants aged 18 years and older were recruited using convenience sampling across Armenia, primarily at hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as in workplaces, homes, and public areas. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, and a structured questionnaire was administered to collect information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. A total of 5,965 individuals were screened, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 49.3 (16.6) years, and 53.9% of the cohort being female. The majority (98.6%) were screened in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy setting. The remaining participants were screened in public areas (indoor/outdoor) (0.3%), at the workplace (0.3%), or at home (0.4%). The overall prevalence of hypertension was found to be 41.5% (n=2,476). Of these hypertensive participants: 49.0% (n=1,213) were aware of their condition and 43.4% (n=1,075) were receiving antihypertensive medication. Among those on BP-lowering medication, 40.7% (n=437) had controlled BP. Consequently, only 17.6% of all participants with hypertension achieved BP control. The MMM campaign in Armenia identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately controlled hypertension. The current situation, characterised by an insufficient hypertension control rate, necessitates continuous and rigorous change.