High Blood Pressure May Lead to Cardio Event: Study
 (NY, Reuters Health, 7/26/05)

Dr. Heather A. Liska of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and team, analyzed data gathered between 1971 and 1975 from nearly 9,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I . The investigators tracked these subjects over a period of 18 years and found that, not only did those with high blood pressure have a significantly greater risk of cardiovascular disease, but even those with pressure readings on the highest end of normal (pre-hypertension) had an increased risk of having a major cardiovascular event. These findings suggest that pre-hypertension may be an early indicator of metabolic changes that can ultimately result in cardiovascular disease.

(Annals of Family Medicine)