High blood pressure on young adults?

Question

I'm 22 years old, 5 ft 9, 210 lbs with 9% body fat. I still have a blood pressure of around 140/80. I work out pretty frequently, and have a somewhat healthy diet. Any ideas why?

Answer 1

lifting weights can increase blood pressure. try adding 15 min of cardio after weight lifting each time. it could also be from medications or high sodium diet....even if your diet is healthy its amazing to find out that a slice of whole wheat bread has close to 10% of your daily sodium allotment.

Answer 2

Exercising regularly does help and yes also avoid frequent intake of fast food which normally contain high sodium. Another tip is to relax for a few minutes after you arrive at the Doctors clinic before getting your blood pressure recorded. Deep rhythmic breathing also helps a lot.

Answer 3

Some people get high blood pressure reading just because they are at the doctor's office (white coat syndrome).  Test it at the WalMart or supermarket at the blood pressure machines they have by the pharmacy - sit at the machine a minute or so before activating it to allow your blood pressure to go down from walking through the store.  

Try to avoid eating too much sodium - fast food and restaurant food are loaded with sodium.  Read the labels on the food you eat at home and avoid high sodium foods.  

5' 9" and 210 is a little overweight, losing weight will definitely lower your blood pressure.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Hypertension is sustained elevation of blood pressure. In adults, hypertension exists when systolic blood pressure is equal to or greater than 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure is equal to or greater than 90 mmHg for extended periods of time. (this is from a book which i forgot what the title was... = )...)

and it think that you have to have (i think) at least three consecutive episodes (but on separate days) of an increased blood pressure (meaning that which qualifies the criteria said in the definition)

i believe yours is still normal. just eat healthy and do some exercise especially if you have a family history of hypertension or some cardiovascular disorder/disease. = )

God bless you