Blood pressure - complete surprise

[Bloodpressureeek]

Sorry - long post
Hi -have name changed -regular poster.
I am 63 and and always had good health, no aches or pains - slim, very active, loads of aerobic sports - last week was skiing 6hours a day for 5 hours a day, no problem. Healthy eating-no sugar, loads of veg etc. Was until a couple of months ago full time teaching secondary pupils with no tiredness etc.
Went to get an insurance medical and bam! told my blood pressure and cholesterol are elevated and need to see my GP.
They passed the details onto my GP who summoned me in. (Huge surprise as I thought GPs were turning people away, not reaching out.)
Anyway I have been told to get a home monitor and go back in 2weeks with the readings.
I have been under huge pressure with a very toxic divorce for a couple of years do do have ongoing anxiety (which is partly relieved by lots of exercise?) do wonder if this has been a cause.
I suspect the biggest reason tho’ is likely to be alcohol/I have a very active sports snd social life with various different groups of friends and so I go out most nights and there is usually drinking involved, but Iam by no means the most prolific, so I do wonder if there are many other people who like me have no idea they have high blood pressure..
Obviously I am now swapping to non-alcoholic alternatives but as I really don’t want to take medication - have only ever had the odd aspirin- would be do grateful if anyone has suggestions for how to improve the situation without medication?
A friend suggested beetroot juice… ironically I already do drink a lot of that 😂

Cut out/down on the alcohol.
Stress shows up in many forms, even the simple ones like rushing to a meeting or trying to fit everything in to the day. Try to manage time better and relax. Look at ways to tackle the anxiety. Meditations, mindfulness or breathing exercises

I believe herbalists recommend hawthorn for reducing blood pressure, and linden tea is calming. But I’d recommend you speak to a qualified herbalist and your gp.

Well yes, if you don’t go and have bloods taken and blood pressure checked, you aren’t going to know. Most people are entitled to check ups over the age of 40. I am also 63 and have had yearly check ups for well over 20 years, I have high BP and cholesterol and have been on low dose medication for a long time now, both my parents had heart/stroke related conditions. Alcohol plays a big part in BP and cholesterol, as does diet and exercise. My DH never had high BP or cholesterol, was very active, slightly overweight, but had a heart attack and a triple heart bypass 3 weeks after nurse telling him he had reversed pre diabetes by cutting down on alcohol and high carb foods.