This review summarizes the prevalence of hypertension and the state of cardiovascular health in Venezuela and surrounding nations. First, the review discusses the fact that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for 20% to 35% of all deaths. These data are similar to data from the developed world. Second, prevalence of hypertension in this region varies from 8% to 40% in the adult population, and, on average, 22% of the adult population of this region has an elevated blood pressure. However, prevalence rates vary considerably from country to country and within regions of the same country. Although mortality from hypertension as the main cause of death accounts for 1% to 4% of all deaths, mortality from stroke, mainly caused by hypertension, accounts for 10% of all deaths, indicating a failure in the treatment of hypertension. In most Latin American countries, the degree of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension is low, necessitating the establishment of programs to prevent, detect and effectively treat hypertension and decrease CVD risk factors.