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Treating prehypertension: a review of the evidence

Norman M Kaplan1

  • 1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 25390, USA. norman.kaplan@utsouthwestern.edu

Current Hypertension Reports
|July 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Prehypertension, defined as blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 mm Hg, affects many individuals at increased cardiovascular risk. Optimal management strategies for prehypertension remain under investigation, with limited outcome data available.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The term "prehypertension" describes individuals with elevated blood pressure (BP) readings, specifically systolic BP between 120-139 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP between 80-89 mm Hg.
  • This category encompasses a significant population, comparable in number to those diagnosed with hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg).
  • Individuals in the prehypertension range face a demonstrably higher risk of cardiovascular damage compared to those with normal BP (<120/80 mm Hg).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding and acceptance of the "prehypertension" classification.
  • To highlight the increased cardiovascular risk associated with prehypertension.
  • To identify the key unresolved issue regarding the management of patients with prehypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of the epidemiological significance of the prehypertension category.
  • Examination of the current evidence for therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • The classification of prehypertension (BP 120-139/80-89 mm Hg) has gained general acceptance despite some debate.
  • Prehypertension affects a large population, similar in size to the hypertensive population.
  • Individuals with prehypertension exhibit increased cardiovascular risk compared to those with normal BP.

Conclusions:

  • The primary challenge in managing prehypertension lies in determining the appropriate therapeutic strategies.
  • While short-term drug therapy trials exist to assess BP progression, outcome studies are currently lacking.
  • Further research is needed to establish evidence-based management guidelines for prehypertension to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risks.

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