PURPOSE: This study estimates the frequency of treatment of high blood pressure and compares life-styles among hipertensives and non-hipertensives. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a sistematic sample of 1183 employees in a government-owned bank in the State of Rio de Janeiro, through a self-administered questionnaire. Direct measurements of arterial pressure, weight and height were also taken in a sub-sample. Those who had been informed more than once as having high blood pressure, by a health professional, were classified as hipertensives. RESULTS: There were no important differences among hipertensives and non-hipertensives with respect to the prevalence of smoking, alcohol and physical activities. Dieting was more frequent among overweight/obese hipertensives than overweight/obese non-hipertensives. Only 44,7% were under treatment. Subjects with high level of education were more likely to be treated as were those who quit smoking, presented overweight/obesity or family history of cerebrovascular diseases. CONCLUSION: Access to information and health care was not sufficient to guarantee high blood pressure treatment or a healthy life-style which contributes to hypertension control.