MMM25
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Raised blood pressure (BP), or hypertension, is the single biggest risk factor responsible for mortality worldwide1. It is estimated that globally 31.1% people have raised blood pressure, putting them at risk of some serious long-term complications if left untreated. The majority of people with raised hypertension are either completely unaware of actually having it, and are untreated, or are on treatment which is not effectively controlling their condition. As the condition has no noticeable symptoms, blood pressure measurement is the only accurate way of identifying hypertension, and therefore of critical importance. The good news is that BP is easy and inexpensive to measure, and if diagnosed early enough can be managed through maintaining a healthy lifestyle or if required through the use of a number of effective drug treatments that are available to control hypertension.
This was the impetus behind May Measure Month – global blood pressure screening awareness campaign, launched in 2017 by the International Society of Hypertension. It is the world’s largest free public blood pressure screening campaign and from May until July, volunteers around the world will measure the blood pressure of people in their cities, towns and villages.
Its aim is to highlight the importance of measuring your blood pressure (BP) and to raise awareness of the dangers posed by elevated BP and hypertension. Its target is to increase the numbers of participants aged 18+ who are regularly getting their BP checked and to give people the tools to understand how this information can contribute to people’s knowledge about their individual health. On a broader level, MMM uses the data on inadequately treated hypertension to motivate governments to improve BP screening facilities and reduce the huge global burden of disease and death caused by raised BP.
Our Center leads the implementation of May Measurement Month (MMM) in Cyprus for second consecutive year. The program is carried out under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, the University of Cyprus Medical School, and the Cyprus Medical Association.
The research has been approved by the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee (File No: EEBK EΠ 2025.01.99). Participant recruitment will start in May 2025 and will be completed in July 2025. This timeframe is the same across all measurement sites worldwide.
Key findings in Cyprus – MMM24
During MMM24, over 900 adults were screened in Cyprus (mean age: 48 years; 43% male).
Nearly one in three women (29%) had elevated blood pressure, and among them, around one in five (18%) were unaware that they might have hypertension. Participants with high blood pressure were advised to consult their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Hypertension was more prevalent among men and was strongly associated with higher body weight and body mass index (BMI). The rates of diabetes, stroke, and other major cardiovascular diseases recorded during MMM24 were consistent with both European and global data, highlighting the importance of early detection and comprehensive prevention strategies—particularly for older adults and individuals who are overweight.
