What can I do about high blood pressure?

I am not sure why I have high blood pressure, but I am 22 and I am not sure exactly what the doc said I had, i am thinking it was 140/70 or something like that, I was nearvous when i was there and I know that effects it, she said to avoid salty foods.. what more can I do as far as diet and excercise to lower my blood pressure?

I had blood taken for some tests and have another doctor appointment in 5 weeks.
I am also not sure what the blood pressure numbers mean, an explanation would be nice

thank you in advance

Cut down on caffeine (I know at 22 that can be hard!) and alcoholic beverages.
Also, cut down on salt in you diet, eat foods low in sodium (many pre-packaged or frozen foods contain high quantities of the stuff, so read your labels!).

Drink plenty of fluids, exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes EVERY day), and get plenty of rest. Try to reduce stress in your lifestyle - again, I know this can be hard, but maybe try a beginner's yoga or something to help you learn to focus and/or meditate.

Perhaps next time you're out, stop by a drugstore with an on-duty pharmacist and ask them what else they might recommend.

When you go back to the Dr. ask him all of your questions. If you are nervous, write them down so you won't forget them. There are many good medicines for HBP so don't worry about it.
Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure (or hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.
High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it's present with other risk factors.

High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it's more common among people over age 35. It's particularly prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women who are taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too.

American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels

Blood Pressure Category Systolic
(mm Hg) Diastolic
(mm Hg)
Normal less than 120 and less than 80
Prehypertension 120鈥?39 or 80鈥?9

High
Stage 1 140鈥?59 or 90鈥?9
Stage 2 160 or higher or 100 or higher

*Your doctor should evaluate unusually low readings.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.j...
Have your blood pressure taken someplace other than the doctor's office a few times before your appointment. Write it down and let your doctor know. It is possible that the only reason your blood pressure was high is because you were nervous.
try taking your blood pressure readings at home..those electronic bloodpressure monitors that wrap around your arm are pretty accurate to a few points. take readings after you wake up and in the middle of the day and towards the end of the day....make notes of this and follow it up with your doctor. it seems the last doctor you saw is not overly concern since all she did was tell you to avoid salt instead of prescribing medication....she probably suspects white coat syndrome
140/70 isn't bad, but it's not great for a 22 year old.

Avoid fats of all kinds as well as salt. Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. Make sure you do a cardio workout at least 3 times a week. If you are overweight, lose some.

Beware that for some people high blood pressure and hypertension are genetic. Not much you can do but take medicine, your doc can tell you if you fall into that category.