What is Prehypertension? Are You at Risk?

What is Meant by Prehypertension?

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where your blood pressure is consistently above the normal levels (120/80 mm Hg). Whereas, prehypertension is a stage before hypertension where you are at risk of developing high blood pressure.

High blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular conditions, kidneys diseases, vision and memory problems. Therefore, you should take the necessary precautionary measures during this stage (prehypertension) to avoid reaching hypertension.

What is the Prehypertension Blood Pressure Range?

In prehypertension, your systolic blood pressure (top number) ranges from 120 to 139 mm Hg, and your diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) ranges from 80 to 89 mm Hg. 

What Causes Prehypertension?

A number of factors can contribute to prehypertension such as having a family history of hypertension, unhealthy food habits, and lifestyle choices.

It can also occur as the result of certain medical conditions such as thyroid or adrenal diseases, kidney disorders, and sleep problems such as obstructive sleep apnea.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Prehypertension?

Prehypertension is asymptomatic. Typically, you will not experience any symptoms with prehypertension. The only way to detect it is through regular screenings. If you have a family history of hypertension or if you are suffering from any condition that increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, then make sure that you monitor your blood pressure levels regularly. It can be either done at home or at your doctor’s clinic. 

What are the Treatment Measures for Prehypertension?

The following strategies will help you manage prehypertension:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. Maintaining an ideal weight will help you prevent hypertension and will also contribute to your overall health. 

Exercise Regularly

Leading an inactive or sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors for high blood pressure. Staying active or exercising regularly helps you maintain a healthy weight, improves your blood circulation, and thus lowers the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Have a Healthy Diet

Diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in your diet. Following a DASH diet is recommended for preventing and managing high blood pressure. It includes a diet that is high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and protein.

Cut Back on Dietary Sodium

Sodium leads to water retention and thus increases your blood volume. The higher the blood volume, the more is your blood pressure. Limiting or cutting back on dietary salt or sodium helps in lowering your blood pressure. 

Limit Saturated Fat and Cholesterol

A diet that is high in saturated fats and cholesterol (such as meat and high-fat dairy) can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Choosing a plant-based diet and including more fruits and vegetables in your diet can help manage your blood pressure well. 

Restrict Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can put you at risk of developing high blood pressure. Limiting alcohol consumption can help you control your blood pressure. 

What Happens if you Don’t Manage Prehypertension at an Early Stage?

Not managing prehypertension at an early stage can lead to hypertension. Hypertension can eventually cause damage to your blood vessels and affect the functioning of your vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. Therefore, make sure you monitor your blood pressure levels regularly to detect any variations and manage them early.