title: Relevance of prehypertension as a diagnostic category in asymptomatic adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the association of prehypertension with metabolic, inflammatory and cardiovascular risk profile in asymptomatic individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2006 and 2009, 11,011 asymptomatic adults (mean age: 43 years; 22% females), underwent a check-up protocol. They were divided into 3 groups: normotensive group (arterial pressure=120/80mmHg), prehypertensive group (arterial pressure >120/80mmHg and <140/90mmHg) and hypertensive group (arterial pressure>140/90mmHg or prior diagnosis of hypertension). Each group metabolic and cardiovascular group profile was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of normotension, prehypertension and hypertension was 27.9%, 53.9% and 18.2%, respectively. Prehypertensive individuals were older (mean age: 42.7 versus 40 years; p<0.001) than normotensive patients, and had higher body mass index (mean: 26.7kg/m² versus 24kg/m²; p<0.001), higher plasma triglycerides levels (mean: 139mg/dL versus 108mg/dL; p<0.001), higher LDL-choleterol levels (mean: 128mg/dL versus 117mg/dL; p<0.001), and lower HDL-cholesterol (mean: 46.7mg/dL versus 52.7mg/dL; p<0.001). Prehypertensive individuals were more likely to have impaired fasting glucose (OR: 1.69; 95%CI: 1.39-2.04), overweight and obesity - body mass index >25kg/m² (OR: 2.48; 95%CI: 2.24-2.74), hepatic steatosis: (OR: 2.23; 95%CI: 1.97-2.53), metabolic syndrome (OR: 3.05; 95%CI: 2.67-3.49), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels>2mg/L (OR: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.35-1.71).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prehypertension is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis and subclinical inflammation.
authors.forename: Fernando Costa
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Nary
authors.forename: Raul D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Antonio Gabriele
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Laurinavicius
authors.forename: Raquel Dilguerian de Oliveira
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Conceição
authors.forename: José Antonio Maluf de
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Carvalho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D058070:Asymptomatic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D058246:Prehypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors