Is hypertension at 18 really rare and something to be concerned about?
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Is hypertension at 18 really rare and something to be concerned about?
I'm an 18 year old female. I am very active, I get enough exercise, I eat relatively healthy, and I don't live an extremely stressful lifestyle. I'm not overweight but not skinny, I'm pretty average. Hypertension runs in my mom's side of the family for almost every generation.
I have been on birth control for about 2 years, but I noticed my BP being a little high even before I went on it. The last time I went to the doctor it was 157/90. Today I checked it, and it was better, but it was still 130/89.
It's really scaring me because 18 years olds are still kids pretty much and shouldn't have to worry about health problems that usually happens in older adults who aren't in the best of shape.
It's just when I think of high blood pressure, I think of it being a 45 year old who is 50 lbs overweight and drinks and smokes. I do neither.
Can BC Pills cause hypertension? Is it solely genetic? Do I need to completely eliminate salt from my diet? I don't know what to do. :( Should I call the doctor? If so, what do I tell him? Thanks.
Hypertension at any age is bad. Yes, you should call the doctor. He can prescribe you medication to get your bp down before it caused irreversible damage. He may want to change you BCPs also.
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It is rare but that doesn't mean it's not something to worry about. Your BP is higher than it should be. So you should be paying more attention to things that will worsen or predispose you to hypertension.
Birth control won't cause it, so don't worry about that. If you do consume a lot of sodium it definatly would help to scale back, same thing with caffiene. If you exercise make sure it is actually cardiovascular exercise (walking, aerobics etc doesn't count). Make sure you are eating healthy, most people who think they are eating healthy really aren't eating as well as they think they are.
Exercise and diet are the best ways to control BP. Now do be reminded that if you are anxious when getting your BP taken, it's going to raise your BP. So it being a tiny bit high isn't too much to worry about.
If it's high during your next doctors appointment or it really bothers you, talk to your doctor about it. Nothing wrong with going in just to put your mind at ease.
-Connor
Yes, birth control can cause high blood pressure. BC is hormone based and hormones can have a direct impact on your blood pressure. Also, you definitely should go to the doctor. Just tell him your blood pressure is above normal and you need to discuss it with him. He will probably first have you change your diet. Foods high in sodium are the first culprit. Stay away from processed food and junk food. Start eating more fresh vegetables and fruit. Cut down on meat. Drink more water. Alcohol can affect BP and many drugs, as well. Don't worry too much just yet. Your BP Isn't TOO bad. My 22 year old niece is going thru the same thing right now. She's athletic, not overweight but last year her BP was getting as high as 190/100. She had her birth control changed and had to change her eating habits, plus they gave her some BP medication and she's closer to normal now.
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