High Blood Pressure in early 20's?

So heres the thing last March, 2007, I had my Blood Pressure checked and it was perfect 120 over 80 exactly. Now I've checked it on three different occasions twice at the dentist with the wrist and the arm pump, both high. Then I had it checked after I sprained my angle, high again of course I was in a bunch of pain then. The highest readin it had was 137 over 70 and the dentist was shocked( I'm only 21) My question is how did this happen when my diet has been improving (No fast food,Soda)? It does run in my family, my dad died at 50 with high blood pressure. How can I reverse this though I'm nervous about my health and yes I know I should see a doctor. and sorry for typing so much.

I should have mentioned I dont smoke.
I'm in good shape , training to become firefighter.
I do cardio very often.

As others mentioned, going to the dentist and being in pain after spraining your ankle are probably not the ideal condition to check blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure (the higher number) is particularly sensitive to stress hormones (such as adrenaline) which are released when you are stressed, emotional, or in pain.

So if you are truly concerned, you should get your blood pressure rechecked on a more "typical" day. The best is to see a doctor, but there are other free ways of checking your blood pressure -- many drug stores have automated machines (although they may not be accurate if they haven't been calibrated in a while), and as a last resort, you can go donate blood where they'll check your blood pressure for free! ;-)

Don't stop at Yahoo Answers. Go read more about high blood pressure at the American Heart Association site:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.j...

Finally, while the majority of people with high blood pressure have what we call "essential hypertension", there are other causes of high blood pressure, especially in younger individuals. We call these "secondary hypertension". In these instances, high blood pressure is caused by some other problems in the body, such as kidney disease, thyroid problems, adrenal problems, or congenital conditions. But don't try to diagnose these yourself -- doctors went to medical schools for a reason....

Good luck!

Has it been that you used to eat a lot of fast food and soda and suddenly quit? Your body is not used to it, it is confused and pumps more blood out to replace the high blood pressure the fast food used to enable. This is why fast food and soda should never be part of your diet. Is is dangerous to escape. Try gradually quitting fast food and soda so your body can get used to it.

you may have been freaked out by your trip to the dentist and your injury. they can be an anxiety-filled events. if you are really concerned about it, keep track of it at different times of the day (and in different types of situations).

your bottom number is good!

you can buy a wrist monitor that is pretty affordable and accurate......

good luck!!!

Unfortunately family history doesn't help. You should continue to monitor and see a Dr once a year to have it checked and get on meds as soon as they feel you need. Also, if you smoke or are overweight these will only make it worse.

Maybe you're diet is not quite healthy enough. You probably need to cut down your sodium, sugar, and saturated fat intake. Also, regular cardio exercise would greatly help.
If you're really concerned you could see a nutritionist.

Hi i have had high blood pressure sense i was 20 mine is currently 138/90 im 22 female dont smoke or drink i exercise 5 times a week ect. i dont think your dr will do anything for 137/70 until that bottom number comes up you are fine

I've had high blood pressure since I was 17 - a long time ago. Watch your salt intake (no fast foods, canned foods or lunch meat. That includes hot dogs.) get plenty of exercise and try to reduce your stress level.