Hypertension As A Risk Factor For Cardiovascular Disease

Patients with blood pressure values above the recommended range are at much higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It has been shown that high-normal blood pressure (130–139 mmHg systolic and/or 85– 89 mmHg diastolic) doubles the risk of developing hypertension.¹

The relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular events is continuous—the higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk.

While hypertension plays a major role in the risk of a cardiovascular event, additional risk factors are involved, and are taken into account when identifying patients at high cardiovascular risk.²

Risk factors

Treatment guidelines^1-3 aim to reduce the long-term risk of cardiovascular events by employing a risk-stratification method to identify patients who are likely to require treatment intervention. In addition to the major risk factors, possible target organ damage, presence of diabetes, and associated clinical conditions are considered in the evaluation of total cardiovascular risk.

Lifestyle

• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake

Modifiable risk factors

• Hypercholesterolaemia
• Hypertension
• Diabetes mellitus
• Being overweight/obese

Non-Modifiable

• Risk Factors
• Age
• Sex Family history of CVD

References