FAQs about prehypertension What is prehypertension? What is hypertension? Why haven’t I heard of prehypertension? Why is prehypertension a concern? How many people are affected by prehypertension and hypertension? What are the symptoms of prehypertension? What are the symptoms of hypertension? How is prehypertension treated? How is hypertension treated? What is prehypertension? Prehypertension is slightly elevated blood pressure. People with prehypertension don't yet have hypertension, but their blood pressure is high enough to place them in a "warning zone." If your blood pressure is above 140/90 (140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic), you have hypertension. Numbers below 120/80 are considered normal. Anyone with results in between is prehypertensive. New national blood pressure guidelines1 back to top What is hypertension? In hypertension (also known as high blood pressure), the force of the blood against the artery walls is too strong. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, leaving the heart and arteries vulnerable to injury. As a result, hypertensive people have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, eye damage, congestive heart failure, and fatty buildups in the arteries called atherosclerosis. back to top Why haven’t I heard of prehypertension? Prehypertension is a fairly new category. At one time, blood pressure in the prehypertensive range was considered normal. However, in 2003, a group of experts from major health organizations and federal agencies responded to new medical evidence by releasing guidelines defining prehypertension and identifying it as a warning zone. back to top Why is prehypertension a concern? According to a 2005 study published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Stroke, prehypertension triples your risk of heart attack and can lead to hypertension if left unchecked. Hypertension can cause serious medical problems, including heart attack and stroke. Hypertension directly causes about 50,000 deaths in the United States each year and is a factor in even more.2 Even some people with prehypertension who do not progress to hypertension may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.  back to top How many people are affected by prehypertension and hypertension? Hypertension affects more than 65 million Americans. Another 70 million are believed to have prehypertension. Many of these people are undiagnosed.2,3 back to top What are the symptoms of prehypertension? Generally, there are no symptoms at all, which is why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors such as elevated cholesterol levels, elevated blood sugar levels, obesity, or a family history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. Fill out our checklist to see if you are at higher risk for prehypertension. back to top What are the symptoms of hypertension? Symptoms of hypertension can include headache, nosebleeds, vision changes, confusion, and dizziness. However, people with high blood pressure usually have no symptoms at all. Up to one third of people with high blood pressure don't know they have it. back to top How is prehypertension treated? Prehypertension is not generally treated with prescription medications. Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, including losing weight, cutting down on salt intake, increasing exercise, quitting smoking and, if desired, taking an appropriate dietary supplement. back to top How is hypertension treated? Similar lifestyle modifications are recommended for patients with hypertension. In addition, hypertension is often treated with prescription medications. back to top 1 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; AP. 2 High Blood Pressure Statistics. American Heart Association Web site. Accessed December 5, 2006. 3 Mitka M. Experts ponder treating prehypertension. JAMA 2006 May 10;295(18):2125-2126.