Hypertension is one the most common diseases which is easily detectable and readily treatable and often leading to fatal complications if left untreated. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in the Primary Health Centre (Naravarikuppam) area using cluster sampling technique among 810 adult population of 20 years and above. A pre-tested structured questionnaire, followed by anthropometric measurement (height, weight) and blood pressure

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... onitoring were used to collect the data. Statistical analysis was done using EPI 6 and SPSS packages. Totally, 24.3 % had hypertension, prevalence was high among male, mean diastolic blood pressure was increasing with age, also the study population did not show any relation to the occupation or socio-economic status. It was observed that the prevalence of hypertension was different for different educational status, high in the illiterate people and fairly low in the professionals. Among the unmarried, only 4 (4.3%) had hypertension, among the married was 23.3% whereas it was 48.04% among the single. It was concluded that there is a need to reduce blood pressure in this population with mild hypertension to reduce complications in this community, at the same time, protecting the individuals with severely elevated blood pressure from developing complications.