In a nutshell
This study investigated if there is an increased risk of cardiovascular (heart and circulatory system) disease in patients with prehypertension (mild blood pressure elevation).
They found that prehypertension was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Some background
Prehypertension is a term used to describe a mild elevation in blood pressure. The range for prehypertension has been suggested as 120-139 mmHg for systolic (pressure when the heart is contracting) and 80-89 mmHg for diastolic (pressure when the heart is between beats) blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
There is evidence to suggest that prehypertension may be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD affects the heart and circulation system. Results from previous studies have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis study was conducted to investigate if prehypertension is a risk factor for the development of CVD.
Methods & findings
This study was a meta-analysis, which analyses data from multiple studies. 18 studies were included in the analysis. Within this, data from 468,561 patients was examined. Patients were grouped according to blood pressure ranges: low-range (120-129/80-84 mmHg) and high-range (130-139/85-89 mmHg).
Prehypertension was associated with an increased risk of CVD (55%), CHD (coronary heart disease, 50%), and stroke (71%). The increased risk of CVD due to prehypertension was particularly strong in patients at the higher range of prehypertension (80%) compared to low-range (46%).
The bottom line
This study concluded that minimal elevations in blood pressure can negatively impact cardiovascular health and increase risk of disease.
The fine print
The analysis is limited as it has no access to patient data. As a result confounding (interfering) factors may be overlooked.
What’s next?
If you are concerned about blood pressure control then please discuss this with your physician.
Published By :
BMC Medicine
Date :
Aug 02, 2013
