I have been taking hydrochlorothiazide to control blood pressure for

Hi. I am currently taking hydrochlorothiazide, and my doctor told me she doesn t see me often enough to keep a close watch on my blood pressure. She s asked me to monitor it, and she had increased the dosage of my medication. My bp has been much better in her office than it seems to be when I check at the machine in the drugstore - her office, systolic is usually around 140-145 and diastolic in the low 80 s. It is now 155/83-86 on average (since the increase in meds). My pulse rate was up last check too (which no doubt increased bp) but I do feel as if my pulse rate, even resting, is too high almost all the time.. (It was 103)

If a 40 year old male has a high blood pressure, what medication is started initially to lower the bp? Diastolic consistently in 90 s. Previous cardiac stress test normal. Hx of father s death by sudden heart attack at age 50. Primary care physician recommended hydrochlorothiazide 12.5. Would this be the best choice? hgt 5.4, weight 135, tried diet control by limiting salt intake, vegetarian and does walking exercises 3x/week. Thank you.