Hypertension

Because blood pressure is a continuously distributed trait in the population and the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the level of pressure increases progressively as it exceeds 115 mm Hg systolic or 75 mm Hg diastolic, the definition of hypertension is somewhat arbitrary. Currently for adults, it is defined as systolic pressure 140 mm Hg or higher or diastolic pressure 90 mm Hg or higher. Systolic pressures between 120 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressures between 80 and 89 mm Hg are classified as prehypertension. Persons who have prehypertension are at increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease and progression to hypertension over time compared with persons who have normal pressure. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension are also reviewed.