SummaryObjectives: To estimate hypertension prevalence and identify associated socioeconomic, demographic, and anthropometric variables.Methods: urban area of Formiga, Minas Gerais state, and registered with the Family Health Program (Programa Saúde da Família -PSF), which covers 94% of the population. Two hundred and eighty-five subjects (131 men and 154 women) were was used to collect socioeconomic and demographic data, as well as information on alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity level. Using appropriate techniques, trained interviewers with at least one year of experience in health care collected data and performed pertinent measurements (blood pressure, heart rate, plus waist and arm circumference). Conclusion: Hypertension prevalence was very high in the adult population registered with the PSF in Formiga, representing a major public health problem. Intervention programs that boost physical activity, promote compliance with drug treatment, and focus on hypertensive subjects unaware of their condition are needed. Results