[Arterial hypertension: its prevalence, risk factors and the priority trends in its prevention]

All male population aged 40-59 years (n = 7413) of small towns of Lithuania underwent an epidemiological survey. Of these, 5204 persons (70.2% of the group) responded. The prevalence of arterial hypertension was determined (32.7%) as was its relation to three risk factors and five sociodemographic parameters. A more pronounced positive correlation was established between the incidence of arterial hypertension and overweight, a pronounced one between AH and alcohol use and tobacco-smoking giving up, and a partial one between AH and educational level, official standing, and salary. Recommendations as to prevention of and priority trends in further studies into arterial hypertension are under discussion.