DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a woman aged 58, and I have very high blood pressure from a fall that dissected my aorta. I somehow survived and am thriving. Well, the last time I checked my blood pressure about a week ago, it was 193/119 mmHg, which is low for me. It’s usually around 220/130 mmHg, give or take.

I won’t take meds because I have only one kidney that has 75% function and don’t want two problems; they also make me feel sick and depressed and make me gain weight. From my CT scan, it shows a lot of narrow areas on my aorta. I keep hearing from doctors and nurses that I’m going to die. I’ve been alive for 12 years (longer than my surgeon thought), so am I really in any danger? I know this sounds a bit daft.

Also, my pulse is 55-60 bpm. I’m very athletic, and my heart is strong. — M.W.

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