Introduction:
Arterial blood pressure is one of the main vital signs reflecting body functions and, at the same time, the most important functional parameter of the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure is the major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor.

Objective:
The aim of the study was assessment of the frequency of occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors, with particular consideration of arterial blood pressure.

Material and methods:
The study was conducted among 509 volunteers from Lublin in eastern Poland who participated in the prophylactic programme entitled ‘White Sunday’. Standard measurements of blood pressure were performed using a TM-Z dial pressure gauge. The level of arterial blood pressure and socio-demographic parameters were analyzed.

Results:
Hypertension was more frequently observed in the group of males than females. The age group especially vulnerable to abnormal blood pressure values were those aged 51–60. Isolated hypertension significantly more often occurred in the group of respondents who mentioned hypertension in an interview, compared to those who reported its absence. Among 367 persons who, in preliminary interview, did not declare hypertension, 60 cases of isolated arterial hypertension were noted (16.3%). From among respondents who declared absence of hypertension in an interview, the largest age group diagnosed with isolated arterial hypertension were those aged 61–70 (17.9%).

Conclusions:
Arterial hypertension is a civilisation disease which may be effectively prevented, simultaneously reducing the risk of premature death due to cardiovascular events, as well as reducing social and economic costs. International health organizations recommend the implementation of social screening programmes in order to diagnose high blood pressure and the promotion of routine measurements of arterial blood pressure.