May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Ecuador

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Ecuador in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at sites in Ecuador, primarily focusing on major cities and surrounding areas such as Quito, Riobamba, Guayaquil, Milagro, Loja, Duran, Cerecita, and Huaquillas. Three seated BP readings were taken on each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 7,423 were screened, with a mean age of 31.4 years and 52.4% were female. Of all participants, 788 (10.6%) had hypertension, of whom 337 (42.8%) were aware, and 316 (40.1%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 214 (67.7%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 27.2% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Ecuador identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. These results underscore that appropriate screening is crucial for identifying individuals with elevated BP and those inadequately treated. The data should urge health policymakers and providers in Ecuador to implement intensive and urgent programs for BP measurement and treatment.