how can an african american, 18y/o, female deal with high blood pressure?

Question

i was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure a month ago, and i was a bit confused why. i am in good shape, petite and only 126 lbs. how is this possible?

Answer 1

Well first she should take it seriously. You will have a chronic condition just like a diabetic. But thanks to long-available medicines - you can have a long and happy life. Have a good one miss!

Answer 2

Have your pressure checked a couple of more times. Blood pressure varies, and readings are not always accurate. If you are concerned about your health, the doc can perform a blood test to evaluate your kidneys, thyroid function, cholesterol to see if any of these three things could be causing the problem.

High blood pressure in teens and children often has no apparent cause - even babies can be born with high blood pressure. Sometimes the problem disappears as an adult.

In adults, high blood pressure can be caused by a number of things: certain medications (including birth control pills), dehydration of anxiety at the time of the visit, imbalance in potassium or calcium, smoking, salty foods, lack of exercise, diet high in cholesterol, and maybe a hereditary disposition toward high blood pressure.

Answer 3

Not an African American but related to some. I am not close enough for too much of the real gris-gris but am a natural remedies magpie. High blood pressure is not just from too much salt (sea salt and celery salts the best) but from stress. Dance sure does alleviate that for a bit. Anemia can come from lack of iron but b-vitamins are a factor too. The Amaranth Grain once grown in North Africa to feed Pharaohs soldiers is a fabulous side dish for any soul food entrees and takes most seasonings well but is not as easy to cook as couscous from bulgar. Dr D'Adamo has a great book called "Eat Right for your Type" and goes into proper physical maintenance based on blood groups, many African Americans have type "O" blood and this part of the book may be of interest to you. I follow a generally vegetarian diet recommended for the "A" blood type but do eat a bit of animal protein when my hypoglycemia acts up.

Answer 4

3 years ago, I was diagnosed - hypertension with a reading of 160/100. I used to feel dizzy a lot, my legs had awful cramps, and levels were very low in my potassium, causing my fingers and toes to always cramp together. One day I started to feel really faint while I was driving with my daughter in the back seat and I passed out, hitting 3 cars and ending up in a ditch. That moment,I knew I had to do something because my meds weren't working. I heard about this diet from a friend and thought I'd give it a shot. The results have been remarkable. In just 21 days, I honestly can't remember feeling this good, my blood pressure went from 175/110 to 125/70.

Answer 5

There are a number of reasons for high blood pressure. As you are young and sound particularly healthy, I suspect the reasons may be the following:

Your race. I am not being negative, but black Americans have a higher percentage of heart disease than other races. You are genetically predisposed to having high blood pressure.

Emotions and stress. It may be you are in a stressful job or studying quite a bit with schoolwork, etc., and/or you may have some personal problems you are keeping bottled up.

Your diet. Things as unsuspecting as soda pop can raise your blood pressure and deplete the magnesium from your body, raising your blood pressure. Sodas that are dark, like Pepsi and Coke, can have adverse affects, especially due to the caffeine and sugar content.

Salt intake. Salt thickens the blood, causing your heart to pump harder to get it flowing through your system.

Your height. People under 5' 5" have a greater risk of heart disease due to the fact we have narrower arteries and blood vessels. I read this recently.

Diseases. Colds and flus can damage your heart. I know this first hand from personal experience.

I know it must be frustrating, but please, please, please, take your medicine and follow what the doctors say. God Bless and take care!

Answer 6

African-American genetics have a much higher incidence of hypertension. It's mostly genetic. But, keep your weight down the rest of your life, exercise and learn about REALLY healthy eating and ways to eat that lower your blood pressure. And, seriously, call a Zen Buddhist temple in your area and learn how to meditate. Discuss all of this with your physician, and about having children, which, should be sooner rather than later in your life. RN

Answer 7

Blood pressure is indeed a cause for concern. If unchecked it often results in stroke. It is always wise to consult a physician especially if you parents suffered from it or if you are overweight. If you want to try out some home remedies you may perhaps visit this website which I found very informative and useful.
http://ailments.in/hypertension.html

Answer 8

Get rid of that extra fat and quit eating that junk food. You are too heavy. You should weight about 105 to 110 #

126 # is way too fat for a petite girl of 18. That kind of weight is for a 5 foot 8 girl age 18 .

Thats for starters, work on that extra weight.

You are very lucky that you are one of the few black women willing to treat the disease. Most black women of your age ignore it, put on lots of extra pounds and damage their hearts.

Answer 9

Cut out salt and caffine. Maybe you have some family histery with high blood pressure. Medication helps. Your doctor will let you know what you need.

Answer 10

ok you can start with calling yourself just american because you re not from africa and high blood pressure is common among the black americans and it doesnt do you any harm, for some reason your body is suppose to take it