OPPORTUNISTIC SCREENING FOR HYPERTENSION VERSUS NATIONAL MULTISTAGE STRATIFIED HEALTH SURVEY: 2019 ISH/MMM IN GREECE VERSUS NATIONAL SURVEY EMENO

Abstract

Abstract Objective: In 2019 the International Society of Hypertension screening project May Measurement Month (MMM) for hypertension collected data from 5,727 adults in 5 large cities in Greece. This analysis assessed the reliability of the MMM in reflecting the true prevalence and control of hypertension, by comparing its findings with those of a national health survey (National Morbidity and Risk Factors Survey EMENO 2013–16). Design and method: The 2019 MMM estimates were compared with those of EMENO 2013–16, in which a representative sample of 4,704 adults in Greece (> = 18 years) was selected. Both projects obtained blood pressure (BP) measurements and information on antihypertensive drug treatment. The prevalence of hypertension (BP > = 140/90 mmHg and/or use of antihypertensive drugs), awareness, treatment and control were compared. Results: In the MMM and EMENO participants’ mean age was in 52.7 ± 16.6 (SD) and 49.0 ± 18.5 years (p < 0.001) respectively, BMI 27.1 ± 5 and 28.1 ± 5.7 kg/m2 (p < 0.001) and men 46.5% and 48.5% (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension was 41.6% in the MMM versus 40.5% in the EMENO (p = NS) (in men 51% vs. 44.6%, p < 0.001 and women 33.6% vs 36.6%, p < 0.05). Among hypertensive subjects, unaware were 21.3/33.6% in MMM/EMENO (p < 0.001), aware untreated 5.6/2.9%, treated uncontrolled 24.8/36.1% and treated controlled 48.3/27.5% (p < 0.001 for difference in control rate among treated subjects). Conclusions: These data suggest that the MMM opportunistic screening gave a reliable estimate of hypertension prevalence in Greece. However, the MMM largely underestimated the true prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and overestimated the control rates.