Controlling arterial hypertension in the French West Indies: a separate strategy for women?

Background: To estimate the prevalence, awareness and treatment of arterial hypertension in Guadeloupe.

Methods: In 2007, a cross-sectional study of 1005 men and women (54%) aged 25-74 years from Guadeloupe, stratified by sex, age and region was set up to determine the prevalence of hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using an automated device and hypertension was defined as having a mean BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or receiving drug treatment.