Elevated BP

Lately I have been experiencing so fatigue and lack of energy.  During my last visit to my doctor I found out that my blood pressure was 147/85.  My doctor said its not too high and that I dont need any medication.  I got a little worried and purchased a BP monitor  and decided to keep track.  The only thing is that its an electronic wrist monitor and I noticed that it doesnt always give me the correct measurement.  I have been monitoring it for the past 2 weeks and most of the time its 135-140 / 70 - 80. My resting heart rate is between 60 and 90 depending on what im doing.  i have been trying to get some exercise for the past 2 months and i noticed that when i job and after im done jogging i feel light headed and a little dizzy. im a 21yr old male 6'1''  170 lbs with no previous health problems. my question is, is my high BP a problem and will it cause any problems for me in the future if it continues to stay at this rate? i eat healthy and exercise regularly, what else can i do to lower it? thank you.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Blood pressure between 130 and 140 mmHg is considered borderline hypertension and is not typically treated with medications (unless you are a diabetic).  People with borderline high BP at  your age are more likely to develop high bp (hypertension) when you get older.  It is something to keep an eye on in the coming years.

the best thing you can do is moderate exercise and be conservative with salt.  American diets usually have way too much salt.  Even if you followed a very strict salt restriction diet, it would only drop your blood pressure a few millimeters of mercury.  There isn't much else  you can do without taking medications.

I hope this helps.