The ideal bp is supposedly less than 120/70. IIRC the diastolic going up is actually more worrisome than the systolic.

Out of curiosity, which base level drug did they put you on? I'm betting on hydrochlorothiazide or lisinopril.

My dad had high bp but mom had chronically low bp. Like Dermot, my bp was creeping up when I was heavier and I've seen it go down steadily with the weight loss and exercise. I haven't been on a bike regularly for over a month but yesterday my bp was 111/65.