May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Slovenia

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Slovenia in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically mainly at pharmacies and health care facilities across all regions of the country and in some public places (such as the sports event Tek ob žici). Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 2181 were screened, with a mean age of 59.2 years and 62.2% of whom were female. Of all participants, 1154 (52.9%) had hypertension, of whom 880 (76.3%) were aware, and 683 (59.2%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 333 (48.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 28.9% had controlled BP. Of all those screened, 263 (12.1%) participants had diabetes, 59 (2.7%) a history of stroke, and 61 (2.8%) a history of myocardial infarction. The MMM campaign in Slovenia identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. All were given healthy lifestyle advice and were referred to their general practitioners for further evaluation and treatment.