May Measurement Month 2023: Implementation of a global opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Greece

The May Measurement Month (MMM) 2023 global blood pressure (BP) screening campaign was conducted in Greece aiming to raise hypertension awareness and control in the general population. Volunteers aged ≥18 years were recruited through opportunistic screening in 11 cities. Each participant was assessed with triplicate seated BP measurements using validated automated upper-arm cuff devices and a standardized questionnaire on medical history. These data were submitted online through a custom-designed app of the global MMM campaign. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥140/90mmHg (average of second-third measurement) and/or use of antihypertensive drugs. A total of 5,437 individuals were analysed (mean age 53±17.1 years, 46.2% men, 27.8% current smokers, 10.9% with diabetes, 6.7% with cardiovascular disease) and 41.7% were hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension was higher in men compared to women and in older compared to youngers individuals. Among hypertensives, 73.9% were unaware of their diagnosis, 69.9% were on antihypertensive drugs, and 47.6% were treated and controlled (BP <140/90mmHg). These data suggest that in Greece a high prevalence of hypertension persists, and often is undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled. Global BP screening campaigns such as MMM are important and need to be complemented by public health initiatives at a national level for improving hypertension diagnosis and control.