Via practica 3/2016

Prehypertension in practice of general practitioner

Prehypertension appears the first time in classification of hypertension in the year 2003 in 7. report JNC. Prehypertension is defined as blood pressure 120 – 139/85 – 89 mmHg. Europe classification of hypertension doesn`t know this term, and defined only high normal blood pressure (130 – 139/85 – 89 mmHg), which is covered by definition of prehypertension and all facts about prehypertension are valid also for high normal blood pressure. Prehypertension is associated with two-fold increase cardiovascular events an increases risk progression in full hypertension with 7 % increase per year. Prevalence of prehypertension in adult population is in average 31 %, what worse its prognosis. There were many trials with drug therapy of prehypertension, but without significant beneficial results. Basic strategic method of therapy remains lifestyle change with prevention or change existing risk factors.

Keywords: prehypertension, high normal blood pressure, 7. report JNC, cardiovascular risk, lifestyle change