INTRODUCTION:
Arterial hypertension is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, representing the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Persistent elevated blood pressure (BP) in young individuals strongly predicts future cardiovascular risk. In Angola, data on the young population are scarce.

OBJECTIVE:
To estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension and identify factors associated with elevated BP among young adults.

METHODS:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,212 young adults (18–39 years) in Luanda. Sociodemographic variables, lifestyle habits, and family history were collected using a structured questionnaire. BP was classified as non-elevated (SBP <120 mmHg and DBP <70 mmHg), elevated (SBP 120–139 mmHg and/or DBP 70–89 mmHg), and hypertension (SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.27.

RESULTS:
The median age was 28 years (23–33), and 56.5% were male. Hypertension prevalence was 11.8% (143), elevated BP 60.4% (732), and non-elevated BP 27.8% (337). Males had higher hypertension prevalence. Among hypertensive individuals, 27.3% were aware of their condition; of these, 48.7% received treatment, and only 31.6% of treated patients had controlled BP. Differences in age, education, body mass index (BMI), and tobacco use were observed across BP categories. Systolic BP correlated positively and significantly with sex (ρ = −0.36; p < 0.05), electronic cigarette use (ρ = 0.10; p < 0.001), tobacco (ρ = 0.14; p < 0.001), alcohol (ρ = 0.17; p < 0.001), caffeinated beverages (ρ = 0.11; p < 0.001), weight (ρ = 0.29; p < 0.001), age (ρ = 0.13; p < 0.001), and BMI (ρ = 0.17; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Hypertension prevalence was considerable, with over half having elevated BP. Most were unaware of their condition, and less than half of those aware were on pharmacological treatment. Lifestyle factors were associated with higher BP levels.