Abstract
Objective: Analyse the prevalence of hypertension and the related factors in adults living in a low income area, in Recife (PE). Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted with a sample composed by 663 adults, with ages between 20-59 years old. High blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90mmHg, and/or under drug treatment for blood pressure control. Possible associations of blood pressure with socioeconomic, environmental, biological, behavioral, anthropometric and biochemical variables (morbidity) were analyzed through Poisson Regression, considering as statistically significant those with p value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 36.95%, being greater in 50-59 years age group with progressive increase from 30’s years old. Factors associated with high blood pressure after adjustment were: age-group (p<0,001), BMI (p<0,001) and triglycerides (p<0,001). Conclusion: The hypertension prevalence and the associated factors found, imposes the need to include this problem as a priority of public health in the poor communities, aiming at its prevention and control.