How to Define Prehypertension in Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome

H ypertension is a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. The coexistence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes is devastating to the CV system (1). Lowering blood pressure (BP) is especially beneficial in diabetic patients, and therefore the goal BP in these patients is 130/80 mmHg rather than 140/90 mmHg, which is the goal in the general population (2,3). The Joint National Committee (JNC) VII introduced the term “prehypertension,” which is defined as BP levels of 120–139 mmHg for systolic and 80–89 mmHg for diastolic BP, respectively (2). Because the goal BP in diabetic patients and in those with metabolic syndrome is 130/80 mmHg, the question arises as to what the definition of prehypertension should be in these patients. The present review analyzes the available data to determine how to define prehypertension in diabetes/ metabolic syndrome.