What is prehypertension?
Prehypertension is slightly elevated blood pressure. People with prehypertension don't yet have high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), but their blood pressure is elevated enough to place them in a "warning zone.” Numbers over 140/90 (140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic) indicate hypertension in adults, while numbers below 120/80 are considered normal. Those with results in-between are prehypertensive.
Why haven’t I heard of prehypertension?
Prehypertension is a fairly new disorder category. At one time, blood pressure in the prehypertensive range was considered normal. However, in 2003, a coalition of experts from major health organizations and federal agencies responded to new medical evidence by releasing guidelines defining prehypertension and identifying it as a warning zone.
Why is prehypertension a concern?
Prehypertension leads to hypertension if left unchecked. Hypertension can cause serious medical problems, including heart attack and stroke. Hypertension directly causes about 50,000 deaths in the U.S. each year and is a factor in even more. In addition, recent evidence suggests that prehypertension may be a danger even before it crosses the line into hypertension. For example, a 2005 study published in the journal Stroke found that prehypertension triples the risk of heart attack.
How many people are affected by prehypertension?
70 million are believed to have prehypertension. Many of these people are undiagnosed.
What are the symptoms of prehypertension?
Generally, there are no symptoms at all, which is why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors such as elevated cholesterol levels, elevated blood sugar levels, obesity or a family history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
How is prehypertension treated?
Prehypertension is not generally treated with prescription medications. Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, including losing weight, cutting down on sodium intake, increasing exercise, quitting smoking and, if desired, taking an appropriate dietary supplement.
SOURCES: American Heart Association, National Campaign to Control Hypertension, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health
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