‘My blood pressure is 150/100 mmHg and I am only 26 years old. Should I immediately take medicines?’

But the initial step must not be to leap right into lifetime medication; it should be about validating the diagnosis and examining for underlying causes, stressed Dr Rohra, adding, “One reading cannot classify you as hypertensive.”

How do I know whether I actually have high blood pressure?

You should:

* Take your blood pressure reading at least twice a day for a week, at the same time of day, using a good machine.

Are you stressed often? (Photo: Freepik)

* Don’t measure immediately after coffee, smoking, or exercise, as these can produce falsely elevated readings.

* If readings regularly remain above 140/90, it indicates hypertension, said Dr Rohra.

Why is high BP in youth problematic?

High blood pressure quietly harms the body in the long run. “Even in the 20s, unchecked hypertension puts pressure on the heart, hardens the arteries, impinges on the kidneys, and heightens stroke risk. Since it doesn’t produce apparent symptoms in the majority of cases, individuals tend to neglect it until there’s a complication,” said Dr Rohra.

Because the person is young, the clinician will also look for secondary causes (kidney disease, endocrine causes, stimulants, birth‑control pills, coarctation, etc.) and do baseline tests (BMP/creatinine, electrolytes, urine, lipids, glucose, EKG), Dr Aarti Ullal, physician and diabetologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, apprised us.

Does everyone with high BP need medicines?

Not always, affirmed Dr Rohra. “If your blood pressure is slightly or moderately elevated, changes in lifestyle can be of great help,” said Dr Rohra.

These are:

– Decreasing salt intake and skipping packaged/processed foods.

– Physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily, five days a week.

– Healthy weight and refraining from excess alcohol.

– Controlling stress through meditation or yoga.

“If, despite these changes, blood pressure remains above 140/90, or if there are risk factors like family history, diabetes, kidney disease, or heart issues, then medicines are advised,” said Dr Rohra.

What should someone my age (26) with 150/100 mm/Hg BP do right now?

A single reading of 150/100 in a 26‑year‑old is concerning. “But one measurement alone isn’t enough to decide treatment,” said Dr Ullal.

So, here’s what to do.

– Repeat your BP readings consistently for a week.

– Get basic tests done (blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney function).

– Get a doctor consulted to exclude secondary causes of hypertension, which are more prevalent in youth.

– Initiate lifestyle changes right away.

What to note?

High BP at 26 is not a reason to panic, but also not to be taken lightly. Repeat it to confirm, prioritise lifestyle initially, and let your physician advise on medication if needed. Take early action now and avoid complications later, advised Dr Rohra.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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