Abstract
Introduction: Globally, it is estimated that 10.4 million people die each year due to raised blood pressure (BP). Unfortunately, at least 40% of those with high BP globally are unaware of their condition. In 2019, the UK and Republic of Ireland May Measurement Month (MMM) BP awareness campaign reported levels of undiagnosed hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension as (66.5% and 61.8%, respectively)1. However, community-based levels of undiagnosed hypertension, and the proportion of patients with uncontrolled hypertension have never been reported for Wales.
Methods: Screening sites were set up within community settings across Wales at GP surgeries, pharmacies, workplaces, gyms, places of worship and public places. Questionnaires were used to record participant demographics, lifestyle and medical history. Three BP measurements were recorded and an average of the 2nd two readings used for analyses. MMM data from 2017, 2018 and 2019 were combined for analysis. Those classified as “hypertensive” were those with (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) or on anti-hypertensive medication.
Results: The campaign screened 5,584 participants (mean age 64 ± 13 years, 57.1% women). Of those screened, 1,496 (26.8%) were hypertensive. Of those who were hypertensive, 876 (58.5%) were unaware of their condition. 523 (35%) of hypertensive participants were on anti-hypertensive medication, with 268 (51.2%) of those taking medication presenting with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg).
Conclusions: These community-based data demonstrate for the first time the proportion of undiagnosed hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension in Wales. These data highlight a critical need for a systematic BP screening and monitoring programme in Wales to prevent future cardiovascular events.
Disclosures: None
Methods: Screening sites were set up within community settings across Wales at GP surgeries, pharmacies, workplaces, gyms, places of worship and public places. Questionnaires were used to record participant demographics, lifestyle and medical history. Three BP measurements were recorded and an average of the 2nd two readings used for analyses. MMM data from 2017, 2018 and 2019 were combined for analysis. Those classified as “hypertensive” were those with (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) or on anti-hypertensive medication.
Results: The campaign screened 5,584 participants (mean age 64 ± 13 years, 57.1% women). Of those screened, 1,496 (26.8%) were hypertensive. Of those who were hypertensive, 876 (58.5%) were unaware of their condition. 523 (35%) of hypertensive participants were on anti-hypertensive medication, with 268 (51.2%) of those taking medication presenting with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg).
Conclusions: These community-based data demonstrate for the first time the proportion of undiagnosed hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension in Wales. These data highlight a critical need for a systematic BP screening and monitoring programme in Wales to prevent future cardiovascular events.
Disclosures: None
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | P-10 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Journal of Human Hypertension |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | SUPPL 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 05 Sept 2022 |
| Event | 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting of the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) - Barbican, York, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Duration: 12 Sept 2022 → 14 Sept 2022 |