Arterial Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors in Kazakhstan: An Analysis of Blood Pressure Screening Results from May Measurement Month 2021–2023

INTRODUCTION: May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global campaign with the aim to improve awareness of arterial hypertension (AH). Kazakhstan participated in the campaign in 2021, 2022 and 2023. METHODS: During the cross-sectional 2021-2023 MMM surveys, volunteer adults (≥ 18 years) from cities in Kazakhstan had their blood pressure (BP) measured three times in a seated position, and received a questionnaire on their demographics, lifestyle and medical history. In those not receiving antihypertensive treatment, AH was defined as a mean systolic and/or diastolic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg. RESULTS: A total of 8231 individuals took part in the survey, with 1805 participants in 2021, 2410 participants in 2022 and 4016 participants in 2023. The prevalence of AH was estimated to be 37% in 2021 and 45% in 2022 and 2023. Of those identified as having AH, 51-70% were aware that they had the condition. Among those who were aware that they had AH, 68-91% were receiving antihypertensive therapy. However, 70-82% of treated participants were only receiving one to two drugs. BP was controlled to < 140/90 mmHg in 43-50% of treated participants and to < 130/80 mmHg in 15-16%. CONCLUSION: The 2021, 2022 and 2023 MMM campaigns showed that high proportion of AH, a low level of AH awareness and inadequate BP control in Kazakhstan. Programs are needed to increase awareness of the risks of high BP and to improve the diagnosis and effective treatment of AH.