May Measurement Month 2023: results of an opportunistic blood pressure screening campaign in Mexico

Abstract The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was conducted in Mexico in 2023 to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited through convenience sampling at first-level health care facilities in south-central Mexico. Three seated BP readings were taken on each participant, and a questionnaire collected information on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90mmHg or being on BP-lowering medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on BP-lowering medication with a BP <140/90mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate missing BP readings. In total, 58,473 were screened, with a mean age of 48.3 years and 56.5% were female. Of all participants, 22,859 (39.1%) had hypertension, of whom 18,692 (81.8%) were aware, and 18,201 (79.6%) were on BP-lowering medication. Of those on BP-lowering medication, 12,880 (70.8%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 56.3% had controlled BP. The MMM campaign in Mexico identified a substantial number of participants with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. Trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in Mexico (2000–2023) show gradual improvement in awareness and treatment rates, while overall control remains variable, reflecting persistent gaps in diagnosis and sustained BP management.