Borderline hypertension. An overview.

Borderline hypertension is widespread. Though the increased blood pressure appears to be innocent, and upon rest frequently returns to the normal range, signs of complex and profound alteration of the physiologic control of the circulation can already be found. The pathophysiology of borderline hypertension is of particular interest since it may reveal clues about the processes which initiate the hypertension rather than the consequences of the primary blood pressure elevation. Patients with borderline hypertension are at a higher risk of developing future sustained hypertension and its consequences. The risk, however, is not sufficient to justify treatment in all cases. Patients must be followed to observe blood pressure trends and treatment attempted in the selected minority which has the highest risk. The determination of risk is based on repeated measurements of blood pressure and on the assessment of risk factors for atherosclerosis and for future hypertension.