January 7, 2025
HealthhodNo Comments
User Question
Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old and recently recorded a blood pressure (BP) reading of 125/101. Is this abnormal? What might be the cause, and what is the treatment?
Expert Answer by Dr. Venkataramanaiah Eluru, MBBS, MD, Internal Medicine Consultant based in Tirupati
At your age, a BP reading of 125/101 raises some concerns, particularly because your diastolic pressure (the second number) is above the normal range. While a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg are generally considered normal, your diastolic pressure of 101 mmHg is slightly elevated, indicating hypertension (high blood pressure). However, one isolated reading isn’t enough to diagnose hypertension, especially for someone as young as you. Stress, anxiety, or even improper measuring techniques can lead to a temporary spike in blood pressure.
Monitoring BP: Why a Single Reading Is Not Enough
To properly determine whether you have high blood pressure, Dr. Ramana recommends keeping a blood pressure diary. This involves measuring your BP three times a day for three days under calm conditions. Ensure you’re not under stress and have rested for at least 10 minutes before taking each reading. Record your BP early in the morning (around 8:00 AM), in the afternoon, and in the evening.
If your diastolic pressure remains above 90 mmHg and your systolic pressure exceeds 130 mmHg on multiple occasions, it may indicate hypertension. However, at 22 years old, it’s unlikely unless there’s an underlying cause such as kidney disease, thyroid issues, or adrenal gland disorders.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Preventive Measures
Dr. Ramana advises making some key lifestyle changes to manage and prevent hypertension:
Avoid smoking and excessive use of mobile phones, especially late at night.
Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
Follow a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Limit foods high in salt and avoid processed meats.
Engage in regular physical activity, like yoga, which can help regulate blood pressure.
Avoid excessive consumption of salty or smoked foods.
If your blood pressure readings consistently fall below 130/90 after monitoring, you may not have hypertension, and your high BP could have been caused by temporary factors like stress.
Headaches and Blood Pressure: Could They Be Related?
The user also reported experiencing severe headaches. According to Dr. Ramana, headaches can sometimes be linked to high blood pressure, but more commonly, they are related to other factors like migraine, tension headaches, or sinusitis.
If your headache
Is accompanied by sensitivity to light or sound,
Worsens with loud noises or bright lights,
Or eases when you sleep,
It may be a migraine. For migraines, Dr. Ramana suggests consulting a physician for further evaluation.
Headaches associated with a runny nose or a feeling of heaviness might indicate sinusitis. In such cases, a course of antibiotics like Amoxiclav (625 mg twice a day), along with Montelukast at night for five days, may be prescribed. Paracetamol can also be used to manage pain, but consulting a doctor is essential if the headaches persist.
Final Advice
If the headaches continue or become more severe, Dr. Ramana recommends seeking medical advice and potentially getting an MRI scan to rule out other serious causes.
Conclusion
It’s essential to monitor your blood pressure carefully over a few days before concluding whether it’s a serious issue. If you experience frequent headaches, especially alongside other symptoms like stress or sinus issues, consulting a physician for an accurate diagnosis is essential. Managing your lifestyle through diet, exercise, and stress reduction can significantly help maintain a healthy BP level.
For more expert advice on managing blood pressure and other health concerns, visit HealthHOD.com
Be the first to post a comment.