Hello. At 23 years of age, with a past normal cardiac evaluation (normal ECG and Echo), these elevated BP readings (140/95 to 145/90 mmHg) are very frequently tied to acute stress, health anxiety, and hyperarousal of the sympathetic nervous system.
Understanding Your BP Readings:
Stress & Health Anxiety Effect: Acute stress releases fight-or-flight hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) that temporarily constrict blood vessels and increase heart rate, raising blood pressure.
The "Measurement Anxiety" Loop:
Continuously checking your BP while anxious often creates a feedback loop—anticipating a high reading causes anxiety, which directly causes a temporary BP spike.
Are Immediate Medications Required? In a young, symptom-free individual without underlying target organ damage, long-term blood pressure medications are rarely started immediately on temporary readings. The initial step is lifestyle optimization and anxiety management under proper medical guidance.
Symptomatic & Supportive Management:
Anxiety Management: If health anxiety or panic feelings are prominent, short-term support using mild anti-anxiety measures or low-dose beta-blockers (e.g., Tab. Propranolol 10 mg / 20 mg) may be prescribed by a physician to reduce heart racing and anxiety-induced BP spikes.
Health Tips
Reduce sodium (salt) intake to less than 5 grams per day. Avoid processed, canned, or fast foods.
Engage in 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (brisk walking, jogging, cycling) daily.