Prehypertension Linked to Increased Stroke Risk

Guess who is more likely to be prehypertensive: bronto sapiens or intended-size human beings.

Prehypertension independently raises the risk for stroke by about 50%, according to results of a new review of relevant research.

Prehypertension is defined by a systolic blood pressure (BP) between 120 and 139 mm Hg, or a diastolic BP between 80 and 89 mm Hg. "Importantly," the authors say, the risk for stroke appeared more strongly driven by higher systolic or diastolic BP values within the prehypertensive range.

It's appropriate to "recommend and monitor therapeutic lifestyle changes" in patients who have a BP that falls within the higher range of prehypertension (ie, systolic BP, 130 - 139 mm Hg; or diastolic BP, 85 - 89 mm Hg), first author Bruce Ovbiagele, MD, from the University of California, San Diego, told Medscape Medical News.

These lifestyle changes, he noted, could include a low-salt diet, consuming no more than 2 g sodium per day; regular exercise, consisting of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 4 days a week; and maintaining a normal body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2.

Answer: bronto sapiens.