High-normal blood pressure and related cardiovascular risk factors prevalence in the Romanian adult population: insights from the SEPHAR III study

High normal blood pressure (HNBP) is associated with an increased risk of incident high blood pressure (HBP) and of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). To estimate the prevalence of HNBP and related cardiovascular risk factors, a representative sample of 1970 Romanian adults was enrolled in SEPHAR III survey (Study for the Evaluation of Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk in Romania). All were evaluated for blood pressure values and by a 71-item questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, together with extensive evaluation for target organ damage, blood, and urine sample collection. Prevalence of HNBP was 11% [45.1% had HBP, 43.9% normal BP (NBP)]. HNBP individuals were older (51.14 ± 17.13 years) than subjects with NBP (40.5 ± 15.96 years) but younger than those with HBP (55.79 ± 15.68 years), p