The changes occurring in Southwestern France between 1985 and 1996 in hypertension prevalence, awareness and control were assessed in 622 men and 626 women for 1985 and in 614 men and 569 women for 1996. In women, prevalence of hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure >/=160 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >/=95 mmHg and/or presence of antihypertensive treatment) was 19% and 19% (NS), awareness was 67% and 87% (P < 0.001), treatment was 85% and 87% (NS) and control was 44% and 68% (P < 0.01) in the first and the second surveys, respectively. In men, prevalence of hypertension was 28% and 21% (P < 0.01), awareness was 47% and 71% (P < 0.001), treatment was 81% and 80% (NS) and control was 41% and 58% (NS). After stratifying on survey, women received significantly more beta-blockers and significantly less calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors than men, but those differences became nonsignificant after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors. We conclude that in Southwestern France, screening and management of hypertension have improved significantly, but more than one-third of treated hypertensive subjects still lacks adequate control.