High-Normal Systemic Arterial Blood Pressure
In a new study, Vasan and colleagues sought to determine whether high-normal blood pressure is associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease. They used the standard definition of high-normal (systolic pressure of 130-139 mm Hg and diastolic pressure of 85-89 mm Hg) and observed 6859 individuals for 10 years.

The incidence of cardiovascular disease occurring in individuals aged 35-64 years was 4% (2% for women and 6% to 10% for men). In older people -- those aged 65-90 years -- the incidence was even higher, at 18% (12% to 23% for women and 25% for men). In comparison, the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with optimal blood pressure was significantly lower than it was for patients with high-normal blood pressure.

Another study will be needed if we are to determine whether treating high-normal blood pressure will decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications found in subjects with high-normal blood pressure.