18-Year-Old and Elevated Blood Pressure: Seeking Answers
**As an 18-year-old female, I weigh 112 pounds (50.8 kg) and stand at 5 feet 4 inches (162.56 cm)**. Currently, I am prescribed a daily 30 mg dose of Vyvanse for ADHD management and 1 mg of Guanfacine to aid my sleep routine. I do not take any other medications at this time. **I refrain from alcohol consumption and neither smoke nor use any drugs, including recreational substances or nicotine products. The only supplement I take is a 2.5 mg dose of melatonin each night to help with sleep.** Additionally, it's worth noting that my family background includes individuals with irregular blood pressure, but these instances have occurred later in life, predominantly in their late forties to seventies. Specifically, my mother experiences low blood pressure,, while both my grandmother and great-grandmother struggled with high blood pressure issues. My diet, unfortunately, is not the healthiest, heavily featuring processed foods and sugary treats like candies and cakes, although I tend to avoid excessive salt, which is commonly associated with high blood pressure. Recently, during a plasma donation, I was informed that my diastolic pressure was alarmingly high at 108. A second test taken a mere ten minutes later revealed an even higher reading of 120. The systolic number was not provided, but I was assured it fell within a normal range. Determined to check my blood pressure again, I visited a CVS and recorded three readings in quick succession: - 142/93 - 124/84 - 123/78 (all in that specific order). It's important to mention that I had consumed caffeine earlier that day, which could potentially affect my readings, and I had also taken my medication. I plan to arrange a consultation with my doctor but will have to wait until tomorrow due to the current office hours. I can't help but wonder why my blood pressure is high at such a young age. I'm eager to understand the possible causes behind this sudden development.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 2:09:25 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about elevated blood pressure at such a young age. There are several potential factors contributing to your raised readings, including your medications, stress, caffeine intake, and dietary habits. Here’s a breakdown of what you might consider:
Explanation:
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Medications: Both Vyvanse and Guanfacine can influence blood pressure. Vyvanse, a stimulant, may increase blood pressure and heart rate, while Guanfacine typically has a calming effect and can lower blood pressure. Their combined impact may lead to fluctuations in your readings.
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Caffeine: If you had caffeine before your measurements, this could temporarily raise your blood pressure. It's a well-known factor that can affect readings and may need to be assessed in the future tests.
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Diet and Lifestyle: A diet high in processed foods and sugars can contribute to poor cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity is also essential for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
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Genetic Factors: Family history can play a significant role in blood pressure issues. Even if your relatives developed these conditions later in life, it does suggest a potential for cardiovascular issues to arise.
Next Steps:
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Track Your Blood Pressure: Continually monitor your blood pressure at different times of the day and under varying conditions (e.g., before and after caffeine consumption). This will help establish a clearer picture.
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Optimize Your Diet: Start making small changes to your diet, reducing processed foods and increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These changes can positively impact your blood pressure and overall health.
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Limit Stimulants: Consider reducing caffeine consumption, especially on days when you plan to measure your blood pressure. This will help ensure more accurate readings.
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Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. This can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
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Discuss with Your Doctor: When you have your consultation, mention all medications, caffeine intake, family history, and dietary habits. Your doctor may recommend further evaluation or lifestyle modifications based on your situation.
By taking these steps, you can work towards managing your blood pressure effectively. Let me know if you need further guidance on any specific area!
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Concerns About Elevated Blood Pressure at Age 18
At 18 years old and weighing 112 pounds (50.8 kg) with a height of 5 feet 4 inches (162.56 cm), I am currently prescribed 30 mg of Vyvanse for managing ADHD and 1 mg of Guanfacine to help with sleep. Aside from these medications, I don't use anything else. I maintain a lifestyle free from alcohol and tobacco—both smoking and vaping. I also refrain from taking any other drugs aside from what my doctor has prescribed. The only supplemental substance I use is 2.5 mg of melatonin each night to aid my sleep. It’s worth mentioning that my family has a record of blood pressure irregularities, but these have typically occurred later in life—specifically in their late 40s to 70s. For instance, my mother experiences low blood pressure, while my grandmother and great-grandmother had issues with high blood pressure. My diet tends to be quite poor, heavily featuring processed sweets like candy and cakes, although I generally don't consume an excessive amount of salt, which is known to contribute to hypertension. Recently, during a visit to a plasma donation center, I was informed that my diastolic blood pressure registered at a concerning 108. A subsequent test performed ten minutes later showed an even higher reading of 120. While I didn’t catch my systolic number, the reading was within an acceptable range according to the staff. Earlier today, I checked my blood pressure three times consecutively at a CVS, and the readings were as follows: 1. 142/93 2. 124/84 3. 123/78 I did consume caffeine today, which may have influenced these results, and I had taken my ADHD medication as well. I intend to schedule a doctor's appointment, but I will need to wait until tomorrow since they are already closed for the day. I'm curious to know why my blood pressure might be elevated at such a young age and what underlying factors could be contributing to this issue.
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