Shell,

Thanks for your question. 

First I would like to address the different readings you are getting.  Yes, you might be reacting to your physician and his taking of your blood pressure.  This is known as "white coat syndrome," which is a difficult phenomenon to control.  Another possibility is that your cuff at home is not accurate.  Try taking your cuff in with you to see the doctor.  First you take the blood pressure as you normally would at home.  Then compare it to the reading your doctor obtains.  If they are the same, then your machine and your readings are reliable.  If they are different, then you need to have the machine checked. 

The American Heart Association has lowered the "normal ranges" for blood pressure.  Systolic pressure greater than 140 is considered high blood pressure, as is a diastolic of 90.  Systolic between 130 and 140, and diastolic readings between 80 and 90 are now considered prehypertension and if persistent, should be treated.  Doctors today are much more aggressive in the treatment of high blood pressure, because they realize that it is an important risk factor for heart disease and stoke.

So it sounds like your doctor's approach is right on the money.  Consider my suggestion about bring in your own BP cuff and compare it to your doctor's reading.

Also, please review our website which give great information about high blood pressure and ways of controlling it (lifestyle, diet), in addition to your doctor's treatment. 

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.