OBJECTIVES: Determine the impact of co-morbidity in controlling arterial hypertension in clinical practice situation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, conducted from retrospective review of patient records obtained from primary care. We included patients’ ≥ 30 years who demanded attention during the year 2012. The main measures were: demographics, control (≤ 140/90 mmHg) blood pressure (BP), evolution time, co-morbidity (general and specific) protocol using cardiovascular events (CVE), visits and referrals to specialists. Statistical analysis and multiple linear regression for correction of the models, p <0.05. RESULTS: We recruited 900 patients (mean age 67.4 years, women: 51.1%). The 64.8% (CI: 61.7% -67.9%) of subjects had a proper control of the BP. The average duration of hypertension was 6.0 years and use 4.6 protocol entries / year. The average number of visits was 15.3 and 0.7 referrals. The years of evolution were associated with age (r = 0.323). The control patients showed a higher average BP of ischemic heart disease (11.1% vs. 6.9%) and CVE (19.4% vs. 14.8%), p <0.05. The BP control was associated with women (OR = 1.4) and the presence of CVE (OR = 1.8), p <0.02. The number of diagnoses (morbidity) was associated with age (ß = 0.14) and the number of referrals (ß = 0.08), p <0.05 (coefficient R2 = 40%). CONCLUSIONS: Optimal control of BP is high. The profile of these patients is women in a situation of secondary prevention.