Is prehypertension a disease?

Abstract

Prehypertension is an important public health problem all over the globe as it is the precursor of hypertension, and it is known to be associated with many adverse outcomes.^[1] It has been observed that the conversion rate of prehypertension to hypertension over a period of 4 years is about 30%.^[2] Prehypertension has also been reported to be associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular (CV) disease events.^[2] The San Antonio Heart Study demonstrated that blood pressure (BP) in prehypertension range is associated with diabetes mellitus.^[3] The prevalence of prehypertension and its associated risk factors have been investigated worldwide since the publication of Joint National Committee (JNC‑7) report on BP in 2003.^[4] Many studies have focused on the predictors of progression from prehypertension to hypertension. It has been emphasized that appropriate treatments should be given to the prehypertensive group in different degree to effectively reduce their CV and other disease risks. Read more...