Hello,

I'm 22 years old, 5'8 and about 130lbs. I'm fairly active, I walk everywhere and try to eat a balanced diet. I'm starting a round of nursing classes in the fall and my mother, who is a nurse for over 30 years decided to teach me how to take BP. Upon checking mine, it came out to 155/90, of course my mother gasped in horror, tried again but my other arm. Then tried a few hours after, same reading.

I'm a little shocked to say the least. Although 2 years ago, my blood pressure was around average. But a year ago, during a check up, it was a little high because I was fairly upset during the visit.

I've done some googling and I'm baffled. I'm planning on going to the doctor very soon to get cleared to do clincals in a few months but now I have to put this on high priority. My question is what factors could be causing this? Is it simply genetic? My mother and father both have high blood pressure but personality wise, I am relaxed and calm most of the time.

Also, is there anything I could do to lower it besides medication?

Thanks!