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Revisiting the prehypertension debate: increasing evidence for treatment yet randomized clinical trials are lacking

Craig Reed1, Shawn G Kwatra, Kristine Brown

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina , USA.

Blood Pressure
|May 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Treating prehypertension is supported by new evidence linking it to other health issues. Recent studies reinforce the benefits of pharmacotherapy for managing this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • A 2009 debate in Blood Pressure discussed treating prehypertension.
  • Previous stance supported pharmacotherapy for prehypertension.
  • Emerging evidence links prehypertension to significant morbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and present updated evidence on the link between prehypertension and associated morbidities.
  • To provide further justification for the pharmacotherapy of prehypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature and studies.
  • Analysis of data linking prehypertension to adverse health outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Additional evidence has emerged since 2009.
  • These studies strengthen the case for treating prehypertension.

Conclusions:

  • The evidence supports the continued consideration of pharmacotherapy for prehypertension.
  • Managing prehypertension is crucial for preventing associated morbidities.

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