My blood pressure has been 140/90 for the last 25+ years.  Recently the medical community here in Minnesota has been pressuring me to aim for 120/70.  I tried a prescription diuretic.  It didn't lower my pressure at all, and I developed purple bruising in my right arm.  Atenolol did lower my pressure, but the side effects were less than desirable, so I quit it.  I'm currently not taking any blood pressure medication.  I feel fine.  At 50 I'm going to the gym 3 times a week and spending an hour on the elliptical stepper burning 1050 to 1085 calories.  My resting heart rate is in the mid 70's.  I work 45+ hours a week, at 6' 2" and 220 lbs am slightly over my ideal weight.  I watch my diet closely.  I really wish the medical community would have a more realistic target for blood pressure.  Attempts at lowering it left me feeling miserable.