We studied prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) and its association with major cardiovascular (CV) risk factors among unorganized adult population aged 25-64 years in 10 Russian cities (Volgograd, Voronezh, Ivanovo, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Orenburg, Vladikavkaz, Samara, Tomsk, Tyumen) with different climatic, geographical, economical and demographical characteristics. This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted within the framework of the ESSAY RF-2012 (Epidemiology of Cardiovascular diseases in the Regions of the Russian Federation) project. Epidemiological situation concerning AH was found to be unfavorable. Prevalence of CV risk factors was high especially in young men and postmenopausal women. Major CV risk factors, associated with AH were hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and obesity. The obtained results substantiate the expediency of the use of population strategy of AH and CV risk factors prevention in the studied population.