Hypertension in the young

A single high reading can follow stress, pain, caffeine, exercise or an incorrectly sized cuff. Persistent hypertension may be linked with family history, excess weight, kidney problems, hormone conditions, sleep-related breathing problems or medicines and substances.

A clinician may repeat readings outside the clinic and review food, sleep, activity, alcohol, nicotine, supplements and recreational drugs. They may check blood and urine and consider conditions such as Chronic Kidney Disease, Obesity or Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Book a medical review rather than dismissing repeated high readings because of your age. Bring a list of every medicine and supplement, plus home readings taken after several quiet minutes with the arm supported.

Treatment may involve addressing an underlying condition, improving sleep, reducing salt-heavy foods, becoming more active in a gradual way, avoiding tobacco and taking prescribed medicine. Changes should be realistic and reviewed; do not stop treatment when readings improve without advice.

Get emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizure or sudden vision loss. These symptoms may signal serious problems such as Stroke, Angina or another emergency, regardless of age.

Ask how your reading was confirmed, whether you need home or ambulatory monitoring, and which causes should be investigated. Ask whether sleep, kidney health or a medicine could contribute, and agree on a safe review date for any treatment plan.