[Arterial hypertension in Thio (New Caledonia)]

The high blood pressure is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors in New Caledonia as it is every where. A study carried out in THIO from August 1985 to August 1988 displayed a frequency and a seriousness not frequent (17.8 p.c. of hypertensives in the population over 30 years of age by applying strict criteria), noticeably in the Melanesian ethnic group and mainly in the women. Such a result ought to instigate complementary epidemiological surveys, but also to urge on an active policy of screening, prevention and treatment.