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To the Editor: I am concerned that the "prehypertension" classification in the JNC 7 guidelines¹ threatens to medicalize most of the adult population. Young women with blood pressures of 120/80 mm Hg are at very low absolute risk of adverse cardiovascular events. However, if classified as prehypertensive, they would place demands on the medical system that could divert resources from those most at risk. They would also face new stresses as they contemplate pregnancy.

Mark R. Nelson, PhD, FAFPHM
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
Monash University
Prahran, Australia

1. Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al, and the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Coordinating Committee. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: the JNC 7 report. JAMA. 2003;289:2560-2572. FREE FULL TEXT

JAMA. 2003;290:1312.

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The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: The JNC 7 Report
Aram V. Chobanian, George L. Bakris, Henry R. Black, William C. Cushman, Lee A. Green, Joseph L. Izzo, Jr, Daniel W. Jones, Barry J. Materson, Suzanne Oparil, Jackson T. Wright, Jr, and Edward J. Roccella
JAMA. 2003;289(19):2560-2571.
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