Objective - To assess differences in the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension between the French West Indies and French Guiana and mainland France. Methods - Cross-sectional analysis of two cohorts of salaried workers studied in the French West Indies and French Guiana (6,113 subjects) and in mainland France (28,631 subjects), using the same methodology. The diagnosis of hypertension is based on the use of antihypertensive medication and/or the presence of blood pressure >= 140/90 mmHg at two consecutive visits. Results - The mean age of participants was 39.4 ± 8.9 years in the French West Indies and French Guiana and 38.8 ± 9.6 years in mainland France. Among women, a higher prevalence of hypertension was observed in the French West Indies and French Guiana compared to mainland France (18.4% vs. 9.6%, p<0.001), a difference partly linked to a higher prevalence of obesity (16.9% vs. 8.9%, p<0.001). There is also greater awareness (82.1% vs. 67.6%, p<0.001) and better control of hypertension (44.9% vs. 33.1%, p<0.01). Among men, the difference in prevalence between the French West Indies and French Guiana and mainland France is smaller (19.5% vs. 16.2%, p<0.001). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in awareness (47.2% vs. 49.6%), treatment (72.2% vs. 76.3%), or control of hypertension (13.3% vs. 12.3%). Conclusion - The differences observed between the French West Indies and French mainland vary by sex. The prevalence and management of hypertension are very similar among men. More marked differences are observed among women, who have a higher prevalence of hypertension, but also greater awareness and better control of blood pressure levels while on antihypertensive treatment. (R.A.)