Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

Blood pressure usually considered normal is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease

Abhijit V Kshirsagar1, Myra Carpenter, Heejung Bang

  • 1UNC Kidney Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. sagar@med.unc.edu

The American Journal of Medicine
|January 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Individuals with prehypertension, a blood pressure range of 120/80 to 139/89 mm Hg, face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease. This risk is particularly pronounced in Black individuals, those with diabetes, and individuals with a high body mass index (BMI).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Prehypertension is a common condition, yet its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk requires further elucidation, especially in high-risk populations.
  • Understanding CVD risk in prehypertensive individuals is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prehypertension and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • To identify subgroups of individuals with prehypertension who are at elevated risk for CVD complications.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from 8960 middle-aged adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.
  • Blood pressure levels were categorized as high normal (systolic 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic 85-89 mm Hg) and normal (systolic 120-129 mm Hg or diastolic 80-84 mm Hg).
  • Incident CVD outcomes included fatal/nonfatal coronary heart disease, cardiac procedures, silent myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke, with subgroup analyses performed for various risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Compared to optimal blood pressure, high normal blood pressure was associated with a 2.33-fold increased risk of CVD (RR 2.33; 95% CI, 1.85-2.92), and normal blood pressure with a 1.81-fold increased risk (RR 1.81; 95% CI, 1.47-2.22).
  • Elevated CVD risk in high normal blood pressure was more pronounced among Black individuals (RR 3.29), diabetics (RR 4.10), and those with a BMI >30 kg/m2 (RR 3.56).
  • Increased risks were also observed in individuals aged 55-64 years (RR 2.41), those with renal insufficiency (RR 1.90), and high LDL cholesterol (RR 1.85).

Conclusions:

  • Prehypertension significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to optimal blood pressure levels.
  • The association between prehypertension and CVD is particularly strong in Black individuals, those with diabetes mellitus, and individuals with a high body mass index (BMI).
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing blood pressure in individuals with prehypertension, especially those in identified high-risk subgroups.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)

This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure:
Blood Pressure01:24

Blood Pressure

The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...
Blood Pressure01:30

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock01:24

Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock

Disorders affecting blood volume, vascular tone, or vascular function can disrupt vascular homeostasis, including conditions like hypertension, hemorrhage, and shock.
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.