In India Hypertension is currently becoming a major health concern in the coming years. According to the World Health Statistics 2012 report, India has low rates of hypertension compared to world figures. In India, 23.10 per cent men and 22.60 per cent women above 25 years suffer from hypertension. India also fares better than the global average of 29.20 in men and 24.80 in women respectively. Hypertension is defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. India is exploring the possibility of having a national monitoring framework to help check hypertension cases, according to a WHO official. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of hypertension in rural areas of Kurnool and Kadapa district of Rayalaseema region, Andhra Pradesh. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the villages of rural areas of district Kurnool and Cudappah were selected from Rural Health Centers (RHCs) of these villages. In our study of 1637 subjects, 229 were hypertensive giving the prevelance lthough prevalence of hypertension in general public is very high, major bulk is still undiagnosed. A screening and preventive program needs to be established on national and international level.
