Investigation of subjects' understanding and emphasis on prehypertension and high normal blood pressure

Objective To investigate of subjects' understanding and emphasis on “prehypertension” and “high normal blood pressure” with simple questionnaire in order to carry out effective education on healthy blood pressure.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 subjects ( 144 males and 58 females)hospitalized in our center.All subjects were requested to fill in a questionnaire designed by researchers.The response rate was 100％.Results Subjects who considered that “prehypertension” could progress to hypertension were more than those who considered that “high normal blood pressure” could progress to hypertension,the difference was statistically significant( 127 vs 72 cases,x2 =79.414,P ＜ 0.01 ).Subjects who stressed the importance of “prehypertension” were more than those of “high normal blood pressure” (163 vs 97 cases,x2 =47.504,P ＜ 0.01 ).Condusions In education on healthy blood pressure,the term “prehypertension” ( 120 -139/80 - 90 mm Hg of blood pressure ) rather than “high normal blood pressure” is more inclined to draw the subjects' attention to hypertension prevention. Key words: Blood pressure; Prehypertension; High normal blood pressure; Understanding; Emphasis