A condition that puts a person at risk of developing hypertension. A person is considered to have prehypertension if he or she has blood pressure readings that are consistently between 120/80 mm Hg and 139/89 mm Hg.
Having a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 90 mm Hg. People with prehypertension have an increased risk for strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure relative to individuals whose blood pressure is below 120/80.
Prehypertension is blood pressure equal to or greater than 120/80. It is considered unsafe and calls for lifestyle changes and monitoring.