O06 HYPERTENSION CONTROL AND COMORBIDITIES: INSIGHTS FROM THE MAY MEASUREMENT MONTH CAMPAIGN, 2017-2019

Background and Objective: Hypertension frequently coexists with other chronic conditions and cardiometabolic risk factors. The identification of comorbidities is key in the management of hypertensive patients. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed at enhancing the detection and awareness of hypertension. This study analyzes data from MMM collected between 2017 and 2019 to evaluate hypertension control among adults aged 18 years and the frequency of comorbidities. Methods: Three sitting blood pressure (BP) readings, anthropometric measurements, and self-reported history of diabetes, myocardial infarction and stroke were collected. Missing BP readings were inputted using multiple imputation based on available BP measurements and sociodemographic variables. Hypertension was defined as an average systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. Hypertension treatment was defined as current medication use; control was defined as BP <140/90 mmHg. Results: Among 2,907,848 participants from 95 countries, 34.2% had hypertension, and 12.1% had a history of at least one other chronic condition. Specifically, 8.3% self-reported type 2 diabetes, 4.5% had experienced myocardial infarction, and 2.9% had a history of stroke. Some individuals had multiple comorbidities at the time of the screening: 6% had both myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes, 8% had myocardial infarction and stroke, 2% had stroke and type 2 diabetes, and 8% had all three comorbidities. Among those with hypertension, 58.9% were on medication and 24.0% had at least one additional comorbidity, specifically, 15.8% reported type 2 diabetes, 8.8% had experienced myocardial infarction, and 5.5% had a history of stroke. Of those with hypertension on medication, 43.1% were controlled. Among treated individuals, hypertension control rates were higher in individuals with comorbidities (50% vs 30%). Conversely, individuals without comorbidities had poorer hypertension control. Conclusions: The data suggest a high prevalence of comorbidities within the screened population and among individuals diagnosed with hypertension. Additionally, individuals without comorbidities exhibited suboptimal hypertension management.