Prehypertension: Should we be treating with pharmacologic therapy?

Brent M. Egan, Shawna D. Nesbitt, Stevo Julius

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Prehypertension, defined by Seventh Joint National Committee (JNC 7) as a blood pressure (BP) 120—139/80—89 mm Hg, was controversial. Approximately 31—37% of US adults are prehypertensive, and ∼12—14% have BP of 130—139/85—89 mm Hg or Stage 2' prehypertension, is associated with ∼3-fold greater likelihood of developing hypertension and roughly twice the cardiovascular events than BP <120/80 mm Hg. Lifestyle change is the only intervention recommended for most prehypertensives. When fully implemented, lifestyle changes lower BP and prevent cardiovascular events, but evidence for community-wide effectiveness is limited. The Trial of Preventing Hypertension (TROPHY) documented that angiotensin receptor blockade safely lowers BP and prevents and/or delays hypertension in Stage 2 prehypertensives. Prehypertensives with diabetes or nephropathy are at high risk and should receive antihypertensive treatment according to JNC 7. Epidemiological data suggest that the number needed to treat to prevent a cardiovascular event in these at-risk Stage 2 prehypertensives is similar to Stage 1 hypertensives when both groups have one or more concomitant risk factors. Clinical trials are urgently needed to address this question. In the absence of clinical trials data, we believe it is prudent for the concerned clinician to consider initiating antihypertensive pharmacotherapy in selected Stage 2 prehypertensive patients at significant absolute risk for progression to hypertension and cardiovascular events.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)305-314
Number of pages10
JournalTherapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease
Volume2
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2008

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Hypertension
  • Lifestyle Change
  • Pharmacologic Therapy
  • Prehypertension

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Prehypertension: Should we be treating with pharmacologic therapy?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this