My BP is 'borderline' (152/90). My GP is monitoring it every month, but she said that meanwhile to lose some weight and take more exercise is never a bad idea. I was moaning to my sister (a doctor up in Scotland) on the phone, saying I hope I wouldn't need medication. She was very stern, and pointed out that untreated high BP can end in a whole lot of bad trouble, and that having a stroke could 1) kill me or 2) leave me seriously handicapped for life. Also, high BP damages the kidneys (which I didn't know). She made me promise I'd accept meds if the doc. deemed it necessary, and I think she's right.