Why is my blood pressure high? (1 Viewer)

[Jared_B]

I was at the hospital lately visiting some friends and their newborn, and I came across one of those test-yourself blood pressure machines. My reading was 144/86 I believe, which the machine said was pretty high.

1. What causes high BP?
2. What can be done about high BP? Is there any simple changes I can make that will lower this, without resorting to medication?

I'm a fairly fit 22 year old (5'9", 150lb), and I generally take decent care of myself. I know however, that I'm in below-average cardio shape. When running at an average pace, I'll get very winded after about 2 blocks. Will increasing my cardio fitness also lower my BP?

I'm due for a physical in a few months, and I'd like to come out with a clean bill of health.

 

[ThomasC]

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/treat/treat.htm

 

[Jared_B]

Well, there you go. It's obviously my diet. Cup O' Noodles for lunch about 4 times a week, and tacos (taco seasoning, yum) about 3 times a week. Then there's the can of soda daily. I'm (surprisingly) below the recommended amount of alcohol, though.

 

[Ron Etaylor]

My doc says those digital machines are inaccurate. You'll probably do better when you see your doc next month.

 

[Don Black]

Elisha Cuthbert.