I am 29 years old. When I was 24 after a routine checkup it was discovered that my BP was high. I had various tests done ecg, blood tests, chest xray but there were no abnomalities. Every year I have a blood pressure monitor fitted. I had it fitted this week and the mean average daytime reading was 154/88 so now my doctor wants me to go on medication as it has been increasing every year. I am fit, get regular exercise and do not carry excess weight although I do need to exercise alot to keep my weight down as it is in my genes to put on weight easily. I drink approx. 24 units of alcohol a week usually on the one night and my diet would not be that good as I don't eat much fruit and veg. I also find it difficult to relax and often get stressed easily at work. Occasionally I get panic attacks although I do not get them regulary. I think all these factors have led to my High BP so I am somewhat reluctant to go on meds. I would like to try improving my diet, reducing alcohol intake and trying to relax more. My doctor says 1 in 40 people my age have high BP. I would have though it was rarer than this. Are there any side effects of BP meds?

I was diagnosed with borderline hypertension at age 28. After recording my bp twice daily for 30 days my average was 140/90 so my doc put me on atenolol 50mg daily. I also suffer with anxiety, panic attacks and stress(still do!). I changed my diet, exercised regularly, etc. My bp now is 110/70(or lower) average on 25mg atenolol(lowered it this year because the 50mg was dropping my pulse and bp too low). Some people develop high bp for no apparent reason. You said you have a lot of stress and some panic attacks which means you could possibly have anxiety disorder all of these can raise your bp. Of course changing your diet is good. Eat lots of veggies and fruits, less meat especially red meat and fatty or fried meats, eat more fish, hold the salt and processed foods, eat whole grains. Do you take any supplements? I've noticed since starting magnesium, calcium, fish oils and garlic my bp has gone down as it was standing at about 125/80 with the 50mg atenolol and now it's 110/70 with 25mg atenolol. You need to make sure you're getting adequate potassium also and at the very least 64oz of water everyday(more is better). Caffiene can also raise your bp so if you're drinking a lot of coffee, tea or soft drinks you might want to switch to decaf. The only time my bp rises now is when I exercise which I guess is normal.
Don't let it go though, definetly work with your doctor even if you decide to try changing your eating habits first, make sure you keep in touch with your doc and be monitored. I'm sure you'll get more advice but just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in :)

Take Care,
Tori

ICaffiene can also raise your bp so if you're drinking a lot of coffee, tea or soft drinks you might want to switch to decaf. It doesn't take a lot. One caffeine drink (12 oz coke) will raise my bp 20 points systolic and 20 points diastolic. Even one cup of tea will do it. I don't drink any at all, unless I'm driving long distances and absolutely need it to stay safe.

(I also don't drink it because it wreaks havoc with my acid reflux, but that's another story.)

There are side effects primarily being sluggish or very tired, dizziness, and for some depression. It all depends on the class of HBP meds and the person. The main types of HBP meds are beta blockers (lols), ACE inhibitors (prils) and diuretics.

I take Toprol XL (metoprolol) which has bad side effects for some but it works for me. It can be trial and error with your Doctor to find the one or multiple meds that work for you.

Good luck.

Unfortunately, some BP meds can cause erectile dysfunction. I think all BP meds can cause this side effect, but some classes of BP meds are worse than others. The beta blockers and and diuretics are supposed to be the worst. Ace inhibitors, ARB's, and Calcium channel blockers are less likely to cause this side effect.

my husband was diagnosed in his very early 20s he's been on meds since he was about 23, he was ultra fit prior to it all happening, he was a semi pro body builder, but they told him this would have to stop as it puts too mcuh strain on his heart, so we were gobsmacked with this diagnosis, he keeps having his meds changed as they seem to work for so long then it gets dangerously high agian. One of his meds did make him have really low sex drive which was frustrating on both parts, but the doctor changed them for him. Best wishes