my son is 21 and has high blood pressure?

Yvette's suggestions are correct - I would like to add that he could add some physical activity each day (minimum of 30 minutes daily) and watch what he eats - avoiding salty foods and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables. A single reading holds no significance unless it is supported by daily blood pressures, recorded at the same time each day and all of them are elevated. Then, it is time to talk with his doctor about methods to get it down lower before damage to his vessels occurs.

Be sure to take the BP meds until the doc gives you the ok to discontinue them. Strokes are possible from high blood pressure and the damage is permanent.Lose weight slowly and gradually. Factors are overweight, not enough aerobic exercise, not enough calcium, too much salt, too much cholesterol (thickens the blood), not enough soluble fibers (beans, grains, vegetables and fruits, like oatmeal, rice and beans absorb cholesterol and salt in the gut) . Genetics is a factor too (esp. male african americans). Also kidney failure will lead to high blood pressure and maybe heart failure. Kidney disease can lead to it, esp. ones involving hormones for the adrenal glands. Stress doesn't help it. Diabetes that is out of control can affect it since it affects weight and the kidneys. Try eating more different colors of foods. That will include more food groups and help the appetite from getting out of hand. It will necessarily include more fruits and veggies more beans and grains and less meat and dairy. Just try to change a little at a time. Some people say that if you give up sodas that save a lot of calories. (I find that difficult). You could join a gym or a dancing exercise class or go swimming in a gym. Something besides just walking (that we do everyday).Being in a group having fun can be supportive. I like Richard Simmons Better Body Book. Or his VHS tapes. You could get those on ebay or amazon or at bookstores or used bookstores.

Cholesterol comes from animal fat like meat, cheese, butter, cream & eggs. Too much cholesterol causes high blood pressure. Eat more vegetables instead. Losing weight lowers blood pressure.

Stop smoking ASAP. That is the first step. Also does he have sleep apnea? This can cause elevated blood pressure levels in otherwise healthy people.

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