High-Normal Blood Pressure Is Associated with Cardiovascular Risk in Women

Researchers prospectively studied a cohort of 39,322 initially healthy female healthcare professionals from the Women’s Health Study to assess cardiovascular risk according to baseline blood pressure. BP was optimal (<120/75 mm Hg) in 31.9% of participants, normal in 28.8%, high normal (130–139/85–89 mm Hg) in 12.7%, and elevated (≥140 mm Hg systolic or ≥90 mm Hg diastolic) in 26.6%. Analyses were controlled for age, smoking, history of hypercholesterolemia, history of diabetes, body-mass index, exercise level, alcohol consumption, and level of education.

During a median follow-up of 10.2 years, 2.5% of women experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or death), and 30.1% of women without hypertension at …