hypertension

I am a 53-year old female who is not overweight. My blood pressure has always been good; usually 112-120 over 66-72.
Two months ago, I suffered a severe headache that literally dropped me to my knees. I was outside talking to a neighbor, bent down and straightened up and my head started hurting, in the area a baseball cap would fit, and wouldn't quit. My husband and neighbor had to carry me into the house. I was taken to the hospital, my blood pressure was quite high (due to the pain, I'm guessing). They did a CT and found nothing.  Two weeks later, my head started to hurt, I checked my blood pressure (I'm a nurse and was at work); my BP was 179/119. I went to Urgent Care, but was sent to ER instead, where they did an MRI/MRA of my brain. My blood pressure was 204/120. They gave me Atenolol, and after my BP came back down into the safe range they released me. The results of my MRI came back normal, but my MRA was abnormal. Apparently I am missing the A1 segment on the right; however, I am still getting sufficient blood flow to the brain. The ER doctor called me and said it is probably something I was born with, and doubts it presents a problem, but still wants me to see a neurologist (which I am doing end of the month).
My blood pressure is still high; I check it three times a day and yesterday it was 165/102, 159/102 and 154/85. The day before that: 153/90, 124/84,157/94. This morning I took it after I got up, and before coffee, it was 143/100. I should mention that I have been taking Atenolol 50mg q.d. Prior to that the ER had me taking Clonidine twice a day, but only gave me a two prescription. My BP still ran high.
I'm just wondering if high cholesterol could be the cause? or part of it? I have no idea what it is currently, but two years ago it ok. My PCP hasn't suggested having it checked, but am wondering if that might not be a good idea?
I am not taking any medications, either prescribed or over the counter, except the Atenolol.
I am somewhat concerned; especially since this seems to have come on so suddenly. I would appreciate any thoughts you  might have. And when is a BP reading considered to be in the danger zone??
Thanks.

[Barbarella]

You say you are a nurse.  What does the doctor/hospital you are working for say about "when" the BP is in the danger zone?

  

[unityq]

They haven't really said. I think it is high enough to be worried, but my PCP didn't seem to be all that concerned. I do have an appointment with a new one in 3 weeks. I am more concerned with the suddenness of it all. But was curious to know what anyone thinks.

[Barbarella]

If I were you I would make an appointment with a Hypertension Specialist or a Cardiologist.  I had no clue about what high BP can do to your heart and kidneys until a Hypertension Specialist educated me about high BP.  The regular doctors either brushed it off or got all excited.  It depended on who the doctor was and how high my BP was.  I am on BP meds now for the last 4 yrs.

I'm glad you are changing doctors since you say that your PCP isn't all that concerned about your BP numbers, and didn't order a cholesterol test, you say you had your last cholesterol test two yrs ago.  Was a CBC done?

Are you under any emotional stress?  Did anything major happen to upset you?  Did you change your diet i.e. do you eat lots of salt?  

[unityq]

Yes, actually there has been a lot of stress in my life, but it isn't new. Perhaps it has just begun to take it's toll?
I know what you mean about some doctors getting excited, and others not. My ER doctors were; my PCP not so much. Just put me on Atenolol......said it was a mystery to her.
I do use more salt than I should; however, since all of this happened, I have seriously cut way down.