Prehypertension Often Leads to Heart Disease

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Prehypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease risk in a population-based sample, by Y. Zhang and colleagues. Hypertension 47:410–414, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

People with high blood pressure (140/80 mmHg or more) are more likely to get sick or die from cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels). But little is known about the dangers of prehypertension, a new category of high blood pressure. People have prehypertension when their upper number is 120 to 139 mmHg or the lower number is 80 to 89 mmHg.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to study the health dangers of prehypertension, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.

Who was studied?

The study included 2,629 people in the Strong Heart Study. That long-term project is examining heart and blood vessel disease in American Indian communities in Arizona, Oklahoma, and North and South Dakota.

How was the study done?

Participants gave detailed health information during an interview. They had a physical exam and blood drawn for lab tests. They were followed for 12 years.

What did the researchers find?

Prehypertension is a health danger. People with prehypertension alone were almost twice as likely to get heart and blood vessel disease. Those with diabetes alone were almost three times more likely to get heart and blood vessel disease as those without either condition. People with both prehypertension and diabetes were nearly four times more likely to get heart and blood vessel disease than those without either condition.

What were the limitations of the study?

The study included only American Indians and may not apply to other groups of people. The researchers measured blood pressure only at the beginning of the study, so there could have been other changes over time that did not show up.

What are the implications of the study?

People who are likely to get diabetes should have extra attention from the doctor to control high blood pressure in order to control heart and blood vessel disease.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Treating High Blood Pressure in People With Diabetes

Make the Link! Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke

Keeping Your Heart Healthy Despite Diabetes