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

Abstract

May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global and national blood pressure (BP) screening campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension to improve awareness of BP worldwide. This study reports on the findings of the MMM21 campaign in Australia. Adult participants (≥18 years) were screened through opportunistic sampling across Australia between 1 May and 30 November 2021. Trained volunteers recorded standardized BP measurements from community volunteer participants along with demographic data, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and history of COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or taking antihypertensive medication. Data were collated and analysed centrally using the current MMM protocol and presented after the imputation of missing BP readings. A total of 1307 participants were screened in 2021, comprising 652 (49.9%) females and 654 (50.0%) males with a mean age of 48 years (SD 20.1). Of all 1307 participants, 524 (40.1%) had hypertension. Of participants with hypertension, 65.4% were aware and 59.3% were on antihypertensive medication. Of 311 participants on antihypertensive medication, 54.7% had controlled BP. Of all 524 participants with hypertension, 32.5% had controlled BP. The current 2021 data may indicate some progress in creating BP awareness; however, consecutive Australian data obtained since 2017 demonstrated stagnating treatment, and control rates compared with global rates and those in other high-income countries. Concerted efforts from all stakeholders will be required to further improve BP awareness, treatment, and control rates in Australia.