Community Blood Pressure Screening and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Croatia

This is a prospective, observational, non-interventional study conducted during community-based public health blood pressure screening campaigns in Croatia. Adult participants who voluntarily attend public health actions will be invited to complete a short questionnaire on demographics, known cardiovascular risk factors, medical history and medication use. Blood pressure and pulse will be measured using validated blood pressure monitors. The study will assess the prevalence of elevated blood pressure, known and potentially undiagnosed hypertension, antihypertensive treatment patterns and cardiovascular risk factors. Participants may optionally consent to short-term follow-up by telephone or e-mail after 1 to 3 months to collect information on repeated blood pressure measurement, physician consultation, additional evaluation, new diagnosis of hypertension or medication change. The study does not include treatment allocation, prescribing or modification of therapy by the research team.

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