May Measurement Month 2017–2019: results from Switzerland

Abstract

Abstract May Measurement Month (MMM) is an international screening campaign for arterial hypertension initiated by the International Society of Hypertension and endorsed by the World Hypertension League. Its aim is to raise the awareness of elevated blood pressure (BP) in the population worldwide. The goal of the present analyses is to assess the results obtained during three years of this campaign in Switzerland. Swiss data from MMM17 to MMM19 campaigns were used. BP and a questionnaire for basic demographic and clinical information were recorded for each participant. BP measurements and definition of arterial hypertension followed the standard MMM protocol. To assess BP control, European Society of Hypertension 2018 thresholds of <140/90 mmHg were used. Overall, 3635 participants had their BP measured, including 2423 women (66.7%) and 1212 (33.3%) men. More than half of the data came from pharmacies during MMM18 and MMM 19 campaigns. The difference in BP between pharmacies and other screenings sites was small. Overall, prevalence and awareness rates were 32.7% and 72.3%, respectively. Of those on medication, 60.9% were controlled, and of all hypertensive patients, 39.4% had controlled BP. In Switzerland, the prevalence of hypertension based on a 3-year awareness campaign was similar to previous epidemiological data within the country. One third of the population screened had hypertension, two thirds were aware of it, and less than half had controlled BP.