Objective This study aims to explore the epidemiologic characteristics of pre-hypertension, its related risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and its relativity with metabolic disorders among community residents of Chengdu city.

Methods Cluster random sampling was performed in three districts and counties of Chengdu. A total of 3524 residents (resident for ≥1 year, ≥18 years of age) were enrolled in the investigation. All the participants were interviewed in the questionnaire survey. Physical examination, blood pressure measurements, and blood sampling were also performed.

Results The overall prevalence of pre-hypertension was 34.07%. The prevalence of prehypertension was higher in males than in females (41.16% vs. 23.89%, P<0.05). The prevalence of prehypertension among patients with systolic/diastolic blood pressures of 120–129 mmHg/80–84 mmHg and 130–139 mmHg/85–89 mmHg were 34.90% and 17.16%, respectively. The prevalence of prehypertension increased with age, reaching a peak at 30–39 years (39.93%), and then declined. Multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease were more common in patients with hypertension and prehypertension than in the population with normal blood pressure. Pre-hypertension was associated with increased fasting blood glucose and increased relative risks of hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity, compared with patients who had normal blood pressure.

Conclusion The prevalence of pre-hypertension in residents of Chengdu was high. Multiple metabolic disorders were already present in the population, and multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors were more common than in the population with normal blood pressure. Early screening for cardiovascular risk factors should be performed in patients with pre-hypertension. In addition, comprehensive measures, such as lifestyle improvement and medications, should be implemented.