MAY MEASURE MONTH 2024 IN ITALY: A FOCUS ON ELEVATED AND NON ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE BP IN A NATIONWIDE SURVEY

Objective: Introduction: Hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A new classification for hypertension and elevated blood pressure (BP) values has been proposed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The aim of this analysis was to assess the new classes proposed by ESC in participants to the international screening campaign - May Measurement Month (MMM)- May 1st to July 31st, 2024, in Italy. Design and method: Methods: During the BP screening campaign MMM, a nationwide, cross-sectional, opportunistic study endorsed by the Italian Society of Hypertension was conducted on volunteer adults > 18 years to raise awareness of the health issues surrounding high BP. A questionnaire on demographic/associated risk factors/clinical features and questions on the use of treatment of hypertension was administered. BP was measured with standard procedures. Results: Results: A total of 1876 participants (mean age 59.0 ±117 years; 53% women, 97% caucasian) were enrolled. About half of participants were sedentary (46%), or overweight/obese (54%), 54% were smokers or past-smokers (8,5% e-cigarettes) and 10% had diabetes. Forty-five % of individuals declared known hypertension (45%). Their mean BP was 130±18/79±13 mmHg In individuals with complete BP assessment, 25% had non-elevated BP, 44% elevated BP and 31% had hypertension (grade 1 in 77%, grade 2% in 18 and grade 3 in 5% respectively). Only 45% of individuals reported high BP values in the office and 88% of them were treated. Among treated patients 34% were receiving a double or triple fixed combination. Self-reported adherence to BP medications was higher in individuals with controlled vs uncontrolled BP (81% vs 16%). Conclusions: Conclusions: This survey identified a high prevalence of risk factors and low awareness of BP values, underlining the importance of prevention campaigns to identify areas of unsatisfactory management of hypertension, to increase risk factors’ awareness in the population with the final purpose of reducing cardiovascular risk. On behalf of the Italian Society of Hypertension