Other Lipids. Elevated levels of other fatty molecules (lipids) are also now thought to be important indicators of heart disease risk. Studies are finding an elevated risk for angina and first heart attacks in people with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a), or lp(a). This lipoprotein falls somewhere in density between HDL and LDL and may have some properties that increase the risk for blood clots. Some experts suggest, however, that high levels of lp(a) may merely be markers of late-stage atherosclerosis, not a cause.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, has long been a proven cause of coronary artery disease. Blood pressure is categorized as normal, prehypertensive, and hypertensive (which is further divided as Stage 1 or 2 according to severity). High blood pressure is generally considered to be a blood pressure reading greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg (systolic) or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg (diastolic). Blood pressure readings in the prehypertension category (120-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic) indicate an increased risk for developing hypertension. [See Table Blood Pressure Ranges.]
A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Most people with high blood pressure should aim for a goal of below 140/90 mm Hg. Patients with certain health problems should aim lower (blood pressure in patients with kidney disease, heart failure, or diabetes should be equal to or lower than 130/80 mm Hg.) [For more information, see In-Depth Report #14: High blood pressure.]
Blood Pressure Ranges |
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Blood Pressure Category |
Ranges for Most Adults (systolic/diastolic) |
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Normal Blood Pressure (systolic/diastolic) |
Systolic below 120 mm Hg Diastolic below 80 mm Hg |
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Prehypertension (Formerly Classified as Normal to High-Normal Blood Pressure) |
Systolic 120 to 139 mm Hg Diastolic 80 to 89 mm Hg (NOTE: 139/89 or below should be the minimum goal for everyone. People with diabetes or chronic kidney disease should strive for 130/80 or less.) |
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Mild Hypertension (Stage 1) |
Systolic 140 to 159 mm Hg Diastolic 90 to 99 mm Hg |
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Moderate to Severe Hypertension (Stage 2) |
Systolic over 160 mm Hg and/or Diastolic over 100 mm Hg |
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Note: If one of the measurements is in a higher category than the other, the higher measurement is usually used to determine the stage. For example, if systolic pressure is 165 (Stage 2) and diastolic is 92 (Stage 1), the patient would still be diagnosed with Stage 2 hypertension. It should be strongly noted that a high systolic pressure should be a major focus of concern in most adults. |
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