High blood pressure at age 20?

Question

I recently went to the doctor for a required physical for my job. Im 20 years old, 160lbs, 6ft. Anyway my BP was 152/74 this was like 12 points over the normal range. Supposedly the lower number is the most important but this still has me a bit worried. He said it could be stress related, i am very anxious alot and i get stressed out very easily so this could be why it was high. This might not be the best place to ask but i was wondering if anyone has any idea if this is uncommonly high for someone 20 years old. I am a smoker but i consider myself in decent shape as my job is pretty physical. I was also wondering if there is any medication available to help me from being so anxious all the time, anytime i meet a new person or social situations im unfamiliar with really get me on edge, they always have.

Thanks

Answer 1

Your BP is not too worryingly dangerously high.  I would suggest that you consider quitting smoking and reducing your sodium and caffeine intake.  Be sure to increase your activity to 30-40 min of non-stop cardiovascular activity 3-4 times a week.  These will help you the most to regulate your BP.  Also, like the doctor already told you, stress can increase your BP. Just keep in mind that stimulants will constrict your blood vessels and therefore increase your blood pressure, but regular exercise can lower it.

Answer 2

Here's the way to get your blood pressure down by 10-20 points in one month:

Every morning drink a concoction of:

12 oz cold water

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Let the seeds soak in the lemon juice and water for 20 minutes, stirring at the 10 minute mark.

Then strain the liquid so you don't drink the seeds.

Brought my bp from the 140 range to the 120 range in one month. Now one month later (and no longer using the drink every morning) my bp is still nice and healthy.