OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd., a global leader in home health monitoring devices, has announced its support for May Measurement Month 2026, an annual blood pressure screening campaign held in conjunction with World Hypertension Day on May 17. The company will donate approximately 3,000 blood pressure monitors worldwide, including models capable of detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common but often undiagnosed arrhythmia that increases stroke risk.
Hypertension remains the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease globally, causing over 10 million deaths annually. Despite the availability of effective management strategies, awareness and treatment rates are suboptimal in many regions. Launched in 2017, May Measurement Month aims to address this gap by promoting regular blood pressure monitoring. To date, the campaign has screened more than 7 million people, identifying over 1 million individuals with previously untreated hypertension.
OMRON has supported the campaign since its inception, contributing to screening activities in around 120 countries and donating about 33,000 monitors overall. This year’s 3,000-device donation includes models that screen for AFib, a condition that often goes undiagnosed but is a major risk factor for stroke and heart failure. The May–July campaign will feature screening events and educational activities worldwide, including blood pressure measurement sessions and guidance on lifestyle changes to manage hypertension.
Professor Neil R. Poulter, Chief Investigator and Chair of Trustees of May Measurement Month, emphasized the importance of regular home monitoring: “Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attacks, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. It is increasingly clear that regular home blood pressure monitoring improves hypertension management, which reduces these adverse events. By donating monitors capable of detecting probable atrial fibrillation, this initiative can enhance early detection and treatment, ultimately saving lives.”
Ayumu Okada, President and CEO of OMRON Healthcare, highlighted the alignment with the company’s “Going for ZERO” vision, which aims to eliminate cerebro-cardiovascular events. “Since launching our first home blood pressure monitor in 1973, we have promoted the importance of monitoring and improved access to home measurement. The goals of May Measurement Month align closely with our vision, and we will continue to collaborate to improve global cardiovascular health outcomes.”
The initiative underscores the critical role of early detection in preventing cardiovascular complications. By integrating AFib screening into routine blood pressure checks, the campaign could identify undiagnosed arrhythmias, allowing for timely intervention. For more information about May Measurement Month, visit https://maymeasure.org.
