Abstract
This article reports on May Measurement Month (MMM) 2018, which consisted of the 2nd round of the hypertension screening campaign conducted in Albania, a former communist country in South Eastern Europe. The hypertension screening campaign in Albania was conducted during the period 13-31 May 2018. Overall, there were eight sites from seven districts of the country involving 7046 participants aged >= 18 years (61% women and 39% men; overall mean age 46.8 +/- 15.7 years). Blood pressure was measured with OMRON sphygmomanometers (Omron Healthcare, Kyoto, Japan). Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) >= 140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >= 90 mmHg, or on treatment for hypertension. Self-reported information included height and weight, diabetes, smoking status, and alcohol intake. The proportion of participants with hypertension was 37.2% of whom only 52.1% exhibited awareness. Furthermore, only a quarter of hypertensive individuals were properly treated and controlled. Significant predictors of high SBP and/or high DBP included a previous diagnosis of hypertension, being on antihypertensive medication, frequent alcohol intake, and being overweight and obese. The MMM 2018 campaign in Albania had a unique value for early detection of hypertension, particularly among younger adults. Policymakers and decision-makers in Albania and elsewhere should also rely on the MMM screening campaigns which have a great potential for prevention and control of hypertension in the general population.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | H5-H7 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | European Heart Journal Supplements |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | H |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2020 |
Keywords
- albania
- blood pressure
- control
- hypertension
- screening
- treatment
- Hypertension
- Screening
- Control
- Treatment
- Blood pressure
- Albania