12 Reasons Why You Have High Blood Pressure in Your 30s

Blood pressure can still be elevated regardless of your age. As a condition with few symptoms, you need regular testing to know and understand your risk for hypertension. 

The primary care specialists at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, want to remind you it is never too soon to check on your blood pressure so that you can react to early warnings. 

What is hypertension?

When you have high blood pressure, you have consistently high measurements. Your blood pressure changes often, even throughout a single day. Hypertension is a chronic state of high blood pressure. 

Most people are familiar with the arm cuff method of reading blood pressure. Easy-to-use home systems are portable and affordable. You may find free-to-use systems in pharmacies. 

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: the pressure against artery walls when your heart beats (systolic pressure) and when your heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). You have normal blood pressure when your reading is 120/80 (spoken as 120 over 80) or less. 

Elevated blood pressure features a systolic number between 120 and 129 and a diastolic number of 80 or below. Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 130 to 139 or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89. 

Stage 2 hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure reaches 140 or higher, or when diastolic pressure tops 90. You must have consistently elevated readings over time to be diagnosed with hypertension. 

12 reasons why you have high blood pressure in your 30s

High blood pressure in your 30s is often linked to genetics, illnesses, or unhealthy lifestyle choices. We’ve compiled 12 of the most common reasons you might have a hypertension condition before your 40th birthday. 

1. Family history 

High blood pressure can run in families, so if close relatives have hypertension, it’s more likely you will too. 

2. Race

High blood pressure is more common in African American adults than in other backgrounds in the United States. 

3. Chronic conditions

Diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea are common chronic conditions that contribute to high blood pressure and hypertension. 

4. Obesity

Carrying extra pounds can make the heart work harder, increasing blood pressure. 

5. Pregnancy

High blood pressure can be a complication of pregnancy; however, it typically resolves after childbirth. 

6. Medication side effects

Decongestants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common medications that raise blood pressure. Illegal drugs, including cocaine, can also contribute to high blood pressure. 

7. Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for hypertension. 

8. Unhealthy eating

High fat, high sodium, and low fiber intake can raise blood pressure.

9. Caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine temporarily raises blood pressure, while excessive alcohol use may contribute to hypertension and other health conditions. 

10. Smoking

Any exposure to tobacco or nicotine can have a negative effect on your blood pressure and increase cancer risks. 

11. Poor sleep patterns

Sleep apnea is not the only nighttime risk factor affecting blood pressure levels. A sleep cycle that doesn’t provide time for rest and body repair can result in higher blood pressure. 

12. Stress

When stress becomes chronic, the chemical changes increase your blood pressure and encourage other risk factors like overeating and smoking. 

Contact Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. when you need a medical partner to get high blood pressure under control at any age. Call or click to book your appointment today.