Antihypertensive therapy for prehypertension relationship with cardiovascular outcomes

The definition of hypertension has evolved throughout the years. In the past, hypertension was associated with the aging process, and blood pressure levels equal to or higher than 160/100 mm Hg were considered abnormal. 1 Twelve years ago, Frohlich reported that blood pressures higher than 140/90 mm Hg are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, and premature death. 2 In 2003, the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure proposed the term “prehypertension” to designate a systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg.