Be concerned rather than be worried. Prehypertension is a serious warning that you may be well on your way to having high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as two numbers -- say, 120 (diastolic pressure) over 80 (systolic pressure). If your diastolic blood pressure is consistantly 140 and above, or your systolic pressure is consistantly 90 and above, you have high blood pressure.

But if your diastolic pressure is between 120 and 139, or your systolic pressure is 80 to 89, you fall into the category of prehypertension. It used to be called "borderline" or "high-normal" blood pressure and most people payed little attention to it. But today research shows that prehypertension greatly increases your chance of developing high blood pressure and your risk of having a heart attack. About 25% of American adults are prehypertensive.

This category is important because it is an early warning sign, a time when action could be taken to prevent or delay the development of hypertension. So, if you are prehypertensive, don't feel that high blood pressure is ordained. Instead, use that knowledge to prevent high blood pressure from occuring.

1 | Left by Anon | Jun. 1, 2011 at 1:14pm