My 16 year old son has high blood pressure!!?

I was shocked...my son is 5'8" he weighs 198 but he plays footbal and he wrestles..he has been an athlet all of his life...he went for his physical for wrestling and his bp was 144/80, I was in shock to find this out because I always thought he was in good health. His doctor is not sure if he can still wrestle she has to check with a cardiologist....

Most cases of hypertension (HTN) do occur in healthy people and all of us see and treatment pre teen and teenagers with HTN. An elevated blood pressure (BP) reading is not the same as having HTN as such readins are common. The diagnosis of HTN is usually based upon 3 readings at monthly intervals and I prefer that these be taken at home shortly after waking up. In that setting #s above 115/065 should be brought to the attention of a physician.

so whats the question?
Hypertension is not always related to age or health. Certain conditions are have a genetic predisposition. Certain conditions are more prevelent in various races. Cancer and diabetes are more prevelent in people of European decent. Hypertension is very common among people of African decent. Normally these kinds of genetic issues can be treated quite successfully with medications.
he needs to get the pressure under control although he is
atheltic carrying that much weight at 5'8 is quite a bit anc
could be putting a strain on his heart. by all means have a cardiologist check him out.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) has many factors, including high cholesrol (Arteriosclerosis ), genetics, salt intake, obesity, occupation, alcohol intake, family size, excessive noise exposure.
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It's still possible, however 198 is at the top end of the weight. Family history, stress, and diet play a part as well. For diet, limit the salt- you will be surprised to see were you find it- soda. Try No Salt- it has potassium which helps as well. Have him stop eating pork. I'll bet if most people stopped eating pork for 1 month and tried to go back to eating it they would get sick (personal experience) I am also over weight and on high blood pressure meds. Coming down using the above.