Is my blood pressure high?

Question

Systolic-134

diastolic-71

Heart rate per minute- 65

I'm 16 and I am on a healthy diet and I lift/run a lot but I was told by my dad that my systolic is high and I'm not sure about the other two but is this something I need to worry about? Also, what could I do to bring it down?

Answer 1

Take your BP at different times of the day after different activities for at least a week, if you have access to a home blood pressure cuff. Do not use the ones at the store, they are not accurate. BP can change from one minute to the next. If over a week it isn't within the normal range, than see a doctor. But you cannot judge on one reading. Normal is 120/80 but as we get older or do certain activities it changes or fluctuates. I don't think your looking at a heart attack just yet!  

Answer 2

You have what is now called prehypertension. Your systolic is definitely higher than what a 16 yr old should have (<120) but as a clinician, I wouldn't freak out about it.

Cardio will help bring it down, and dropping excess sodium would help as well. I wouldn't recommend medication unless you get zero results from diet modification.