Is 150/90 blood pressure normal on an otherwise healthy athletic 20 year old male?

[carlnamibia]

Hi!
I was testing my digital blood pressure tester and my brother's reading was about 150/90. I got worried and checked him for 3 days straight and it averaged 145/87. He says he does not feel anything out of ordinary. I told my parents, but they said there is no reason to look for deceases if he feels well. It is a common view here in Africa.
The next day after I told them, he develop fever and headaches, which stopped after 2 days. They blame me for that! Now, do you think it is OK to have this blood pressure sometimes? Could it be considered his normal? I am the older brother and have some decision and financial "power", for the lack of a better word (not natively an english speaker). Shall I insist on having him make some tests? In affirmative case, where should I concentrate? I am no doctor, but knowing some things in advance is important where I live, because our doctors and equipments are not that advanced. Thank you!

[ScoutL]

Yes, absolutely what specialmom said.

That BP is too high. He is young, sure, so it is likely not immediately dangerous right now, but it should be controlled and lowered.

Blood pressure above 120/80 needs to be investigated, and there could be several reasons for his higher BP.

[specialmom]

Unfortunately, you don't usually FEEL high blood pressure while it does it's damage.  It is overworking the heart.  How old is your brother?  If a doctor will not help him, I'm not sure what you can do other than these types of things that are known to affect the heart and improve blood pressure.  First, is he overweight?  If he will lose weight, this will absolutely help.  Being overweight is a risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease  Second, exercise. That can be as good as taking medication for some people.  Normally getting checked by a doctor to clear you for it is recommended but am not sure this is possible where you are at.  So, he would need to start slow aiming for 30 minutes of moderate activity a day.  This would be something like brisk walking.  He can break it down into 10 minute increments but it needs to be for at least 10 minutes straight.  Longer would be better.  Do this 5 to 6 days a week.  He can work up to more.  If he is already exercising, do a bit more.  Steadily increase this.  Exercising the heart improves cardiovascular health and blood pressure for many people.  Lastly, some people are sensitive to salt.  Check out WHAT he is eating.  Cut down on sodium. This is hidden in all kinds of foods and processed foods are the worst.  Fresh vegetables, lower carbs, lean meats, lots of fish, fruit, this will help him.  There is something called the DASH diet which is a diet that is pretty basic (and follows the above) that helps with blood pressure (the H stands for hypertension in it).  Good luck

[specialmom]

One other thing, it's hard to get a home reading of BP that is really good.  They normally to say it very first thing in the morning with arm resting on a table.