Community Blood Pressure Screening and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Croatia

This prospective, observational, non-interventional study will be conducted during community-based public health blood pressure screening campaigns in Croatia. The primary objective is to determine the prevalence of elevated blood pressure among adults attending these screening activities and to describe previously diagnosed hypertension, antihypertensive medication use and associated cardiovascular risk factors.

Adults aged 18 years or older who voluntarily attend the screening activities will be invited to participate. After providing written informed consent, participants will complete a structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics, known cardiovascular risk factors, relevant medical history, current medication use and selected lifestyle factors.

Blood pressure and pulse will be measured in a seated position, after an appropriate resting period, using validated blood pressure monitors and a cuff appropriate for the participant's arm circumference. Three consecutive measurements are planned, with a short interval between measurements. For statistical analysis and classification of blood pressure values, the average of the last two available measurements will be used. If three measurements are available, the average of the second and third measurements will be calculated. If only two measurements are available, the average of the first and second measurements will be used.

Elevated blood pressure and blood pressure values in the hypertension range will be classified according to the prespecified definitions stated in the study protocol. A single elevated blood pressure measurement obtained during a public health screening campaign will not be considered sufficient to establish a diagnosis of arterial hypertension.

The study is non-interventional. The research team will not assign treatment, prescribe medication or modify existing therapy. Participants will receive information about their measured blood pressure values and general advice to repeat blood pressure measurements or contact their family physician or another healthcare professional when indicated by the measured values, reported symptoms or clinical judgment.

Participants who consent to optional short-term follow-up may be contacted by telephone or email 1 to 3 months after the baseline screening visit. Follow-up information will include whether the participant repeated blood pressure measurements, consulted a physician, underwent additional diagnostic evaluation, received a new diagnosis of hypertension or had a change in antihypertensive treatment. Participation in follow-up is voluntary and is not required for participation in the baseline screening component of the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years or older
• Voluntary attendance at a community-based public health blood pressure screening campaign
• Ability to understand the study information
• Signed informed consent for participation in the baseline observational study

Exclusion criteria

• Age under 18 years
• Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent
• Incomplete baseline blood pressure data preventing assessment of the primary outcome
• Acute medical condition requiring immediate emergency evaluation before completion of study procedures, at the discretion of the research team