Like everybody else said, go see a doctor. It may take a little experimenting, but you will eventually settle on a regimen that works for you.

Quit smoking, reduce the fats in your diet, get more exercise, reduce your alcohol intake (sob!), and monitor your BP. If you're like me, you'll find out that you have more energy and feel much better after you get it stabilized.

As far as personal stories go, 4 years ago I went to a clinic for respiratory problems (a cold that just wouldn't go away). The doctor took my BP and freaked out. It was 185/135, a stroke waiting to happen. She immediately started me on medication and referred me back to my primary care physician. (I had to get one of those - I hadn't been to a doctor in years) I am now on 2 meds and feel much better. I also quit smoking 2 1/2 years ago and that feels better too.

Take care of this and it will be no more than a slight inconvenience. Ignore it and it may kill you. Or you might have a nonfatal stroke that leaves you unable to do the things you enjoy. To me, that would be worse. It was the idea of a stroke rather than a heart attack that got my attention and made me take it seriously.

For what it's worth, there's my story.

Jeff