Acute onset hypertension

I have always had normal blood pressure, 110-120/60-70 until the last few months. My pressure suddenly went up to 150-170/90-110 sometime between March and May of this year. My doctor put me on 160mg Diovan, and the pressure has decreased, but not to my normal levels. I do not smoke (last 5 years) or drink, and exercise regularly (weights). I am not overweight, I am 49 yrs old. I do have atherosclerosis (PAD). My doctor ordered a blood work up and an ultrasound of my kidneys, but nothing was found. I did some research, and Renal artery stenosis is the only cause I could find that might pertain to my situation. Are there any other causes I could discuss with my doctor? Thanks

[IrishGirl63]

I am so sorry to hear you are having so much to deal with and with no DX as to why.
I too never had hypertension until this year and had a mini stroke in March as I did not know I had it.
Did they do the artery brain scan??  Also check for bleeding issues?
Have you had any heart tests such as a stress test, ultrasound of the heart, or a heart cath??  Renal artery stenosis would cause that but did they rule it out or test to see if that is what it is?
I am sorry if I am of no help.....new here and new to all this as well.  Like you I keep reading and reading about different causes.  All I know is I went numb and now after many many tests I found out I have CAD, Lupus, a rare bleeding disorder plus hypertention and I am only 44 with no prior BP or heart issues until now. Had NO syptoms (symptoms) until this year and life a healthy lifestyle so I understand why this is so confusing and alarming to you,

I hope they find out why as not knowing is so stressful.  I am on Lopressor 2x a day and my blood pressure is getting better after being on it the last months.  Stress still can make it go up but I try to stay calm.

GOOD Luck to you and hope someone here may know more.