Characteristics of prehypertension: pp.19.227

Objective: Prehypertensives have an increased cardiovascular risk, and are twice more likely to develop hypertension than subjects with optimal blood pressure (BP). Presence of additional risk factors (i.e. dyslipidaemia, hyperglycemia) and/or target organ damages is important for therapeutic plan. Our aim was to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of prehypertensives in our cohort of subjects enrolled in an epidemiologic survey performed in continental rural part of Croatia. Design and Methods: Data obtained from 913 subjects (333 men, 580 women; average age 55.0 ± 16.6 vs. 56.3. ± 17.2; p > 0.05) were analyzed. There were no differences between genders except in weight (p < 0.0001) and triglycerides (TC) (p = 0.04). BP and heart rate were measured using OMRON devices recommended by the ESH, performing it in the sitting position after 5 minutes of rest, three times in two visits, and mean values were calculated. Results: Prevalence of prehypertension in the whole group was 36% (men vs. women 39% vs. 33%; p < 0.001). Significant difference between men and women was observed in frequency of prehypertension (74% vs. 50%) and optimal BP (26% vs.50%) values (p < 0.0001). Prehypertensives were older (p = 0.0001) and had higher values of BMI (p = 0.029) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p = 0.004) than subjects with optimal BP. We failed to find differences between prehypertensives and stage 1 hypertensives in heart rate, BMI, waist circumference, FBG and TC. Significantly higher values of age (p < 0.0001), heart rate (p = 0.03), waist circumference (p = 0.03), FBG (p = 0.0006) and TC (p = 0.00016) were observed in stage 2 and 3 hypertension than in prehypertensives. Conclusions: Prevalence of prehypertension is high, significantly higher in men than in women. Obtained higher values of FBG in prehypertensives than in subjects with optimal BP might point on insulin resistance. Prehypertensives do not differ in cardiometabolic risk factors from hypertensives in stage 1, and that could explain their higher cardiovascular and renal risk.