RESUMEN
Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the main cause of death in Venezuela, and hypertension is the principal risk factor. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign is a global initiative aimed to raising awareness of hypertension, which has been conducted in Venezuela since 2017. May Measurement Month 2021 included 46 732 participants with a mean age of 56.4 years (SD 14.4), 57.9% of whom were female. The percentage with hypertension was 60.3% (57.9% of females and 63.7% of males), 82.3% (84.8% of females and 79.2% of males) were aware, and 80.2% were taking antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 44.2% (41.2% of females and 48.2% of males) were not controlled [blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/≥90â mmHg], with 61.3% receiving one drug, 30.0% two drugs, and 8.7% three or more drugs. 87.5% of those on treatment reported taking it regularly. Conditions associated with higher BP levels include fewer years of education, having a previous diagnosis of hypertension, and women who were hypertensive during a previous pregnancy. Physical activity and pregnancy were conditions associated with lower BP levels. A previous positive COVID-19 test was reported in 11.1%, and one or more COVID-19 vaccinations reported in 22.7% of participants. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 78.8% reported their treatment was not affected by COVID-19. Results are consistent with previous MMM campaigns and indicate that the screening campaign is feasible and useful to identify hypertension even in exceptional conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESUMEN
This review summarizes the prevalence of hypertension and the state of cardiovascular health in Venezuela and surrounding nations. First, the review discusses the fact that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for 20 percent to 35 percent of all deaths. These data are similar to data from the developed world. Second, prevalence of hypertension in this region varies from 8 percent to 40 percent in the adult population, and, on average, 22 percent of the adult population of this region has an elevated blood pressure. However, prevalence rates very considerably from country to country and within regions of the same country. Although mortality from hypertension as the main cause of death accounts for 1 percent to 4 percent of all deaths, indicating a failure in the treatment of hypertension. In most Latin American countries, the degree of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension is low, necessitating the establishment of programs to prevent, detect and effectively treat hypertension and decrease CVD risk factors.(Au)