Hi Doctor. I am a 19 year old female with a family history of high blood pressure. over 16 months i have been monitoring my readings and my BP ranges from 143/123 - 135/97 ... i exercise 3 times a week and have noticed that my BP decreases after a 20min treadmil session. i suffer from headaches, nose bleeds and my GP says i should change my diet nut i do not eat unhealthy foods. please help. Nicole
If you inherit a predisposition, high blood pressure may appear very early in life. The values that you report are high. The lower number should be less than 85. Your response to exercise is normal. Your doctors' advice is good. Trying diet and exercise first is a good start. Measure your pressure at scheduled times twice daily, seated and relaxed for 10-15 min. Give yourself 3 months of low salt (<4000 mg/d) and see your doctor in three months.