Abstract: Abstract   Objective   To investigate the relationship between isolated systolic high-normal blood pressure and coronary heart disease (CHD) in a middle-aged and elderly population. Methods  Total of 236 patients over 50 years old and undergone coronary angiography were enrolled and divided into isolated systolic high-normal blood pressure (ISHNBP) group (n=135) and non-ISHNBP (NISHNBP) group (n=101) according to their systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. All clinical and angiographic data were collected. Results   Compared to the NISHNBP group, systolic blood pressure in ISHNBP group was a bit lower but without statistical significance, while diastolic blood pressure was lower and the resulting pulse pressure was higher, both with statistical significance. Using multivariate Logistic for adjustment of age, gender and other common risk factors of CAS, isolated systolic high-normal blood pressure was associated with CHD (OR=2.67，95%CI:1.50~4.75, P<0.01). The distribution of diseased coronary vessel numbers was more extensive than in the ISHNBP group (P<0.01). Conclusion    In the middle-aged and elderly population studied, isolated systolic high-normal blood pressure is an independent risk factor of CHD.

Key words: hypertension, myocardial contraction, diastole, Coronary artery disease, high normal blood pressure