Prehypertension

Prehypertension: 120/80 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg

People with prehypertension require health-promoting lifestyle modifications to

prevent a progressive rise in blood pressure and cardiovascular disease; these

modifications include losing weight, reducing dietary sodium, increasing consumption

of fresh fruit and vegetables, cutting down alcohol use, and exercising.

Among individuals age > 50 years, systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg is a more

important cardiovascular disease risk factor than diastolic blood pressure.

Blood pressure increases steadily with age and most individuals will develop high

blood pressure in their lifetime. People who are normotensive at 55 years of age can

still have a 90% lifetime risk of developing hypertension.

Know Your Numbers

• 120/80 or less is optimal

• 130/80 to 140/90 is borderline

• anything greater is considered high

Blueberries May Help Control Blood Pressure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a known risk for developing cardiovascular

disease. If the blood pressure is not significantly above the normal level (pre- and

stage 1-hypertension), lifestyle modifications and dietary interventions are usually

recommended. A study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

demonstrated that adding one cup of fresh blueberries (or equivalent) to the daily

diet can help to improve arterial stiffness and decrease blood pressure, bringing it

from pre- and stage 1-hypertension to a normal level195.