Remarks

The WHO MONICA Project is an international collaborative study carried out from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s (WHO MONICA, 2003).

Data were collected in independent random samples at the beginning and the end (optionally also in the middle) of the ten year survey period. Standardized survey methods were applied across different populations and over time. Population-based samples from geographically defined areas in 21 countries have been included in the MONICA Project. The above figure shows data for women only. Also see Average systolic blood pressure among men.

The timing of the initial and final surveys differed by study population. Generally, these surveys were 8 to 10 years apart but the interval could be as little as six years. Calendar years and months varied across study populations. Data presented in the figure refer to the final risk factor survey in every region.

The average systolic blood pressure shown in the graph refers to the age group 35-64 years. Blood pressure measurements were performed by specifically trained observers. Blood pressure was measured either with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer or with a random-zero sphygmomanometer.

Blood pressure was measured twice on the right upper arm in a sitting position after at least 5 minutes of rest. Blood pressure values were recorded to the nearest 2 mmHg. The mean value of both readings is displayed in the graph.

Data are age-standardized. For more details see the MONICA project website.