Pre-hypertension linked to increased stroke risk

Doctors know the most important risk factor for strokes is high blood pressure, but a new study suggests that even slightly high blood pressure is also a significant risk factor.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The study found that people whose blood pressure was above normal, a condition known as pre-hypertension, were 55 percent more likely to suffer a stroke when compared to people with normal blood pressure. 

The study evaluated 518,520 adults who were involved with a dozen different studies on blood pressure and stroke occurrence. 

The report was published online Wednesday in Neurology.

One out of every three American adults has hypertension. 

The researchers suggests that more aggressive treatment might be necessary if additional studies agree with the current findings. Currently, doctors suggest lifestyle changes for individual with slightly elevated blood pressure. Those changes typically include losing weight, exercising, and reduced sodium intake. Smoking should be stopped if the patient is a smoker. However, these measures might not be enough.

The study suggests that physicians might consider prescription drugs to help alleviate pre-hypertension as well as for other conditions such as pre-diabetes. 

The research should provoke discussion among doctors about earlier intervention when it comes to pre-hypertension. Typically, prescriptions aren't given unless blood pressure is above 140/50. Those practices may have to be revisited.

Other findings of the research include: 

-People below the age of 65 with pre-hypertension were 68 percent more likely to have a stroke than those without the condition. 

-The risk for people with pre-hypertension goes up dramatically as they get closer to a high blood pressure condition. 

Doctors say the findings are substantial. The size of the study and the general agreement between other similar research means that people with pre-hypertension need to take their condition as seriously as people with high blood pressure.

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