May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Bangladesh

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that among Bangladeshi adults, one-fifth have hypertension. The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh participated in May Measurement Month (MMM) campaigns in 2017, 2018, 2019, as well as in 2021 as a part of a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of high blood pressure (BP) and to act as a temporary solution to the lack of nationwide screening programmes. This opportunistic screening of voluntary participants aged ≥18 years was carried out from May to July 2021. Data were collected from more than 150 screening sites in all 64 districts in Bangladesh. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension, and statistical analysis followed the MMM protocol. Data on 28 355 individuals were finally analysed. Among the participants, 17 941 (63.3%) were female. After multiple imputation, 11 194 (39.5%) had hypertension. Among the 11 194 participants with hypertension, 78.8% were aware of having hypertension and 65.6% were on antihypertensive medication. Among 11 194 participants with hypertension, 7340 participants (65.6%) were on antihypertensive medication and 43.8% had controlled BP (<140/90 mmHg). Of those on antihypertensive medication, 66.8% had controlled BP. A voluntary BP screening programme can identify significant numbers of people with raised BP and thus contributes importantly to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.