Bikerchickett - take a squizz at this site, it should answer your questions.
http://www.medicinenet.com/cholesterol/article.htm
High BP carries a risk of stroke, heart attack and other vascular problems which could leave you as a virtual invalid - taking meds isn't a sign of weakness ( VON! ) but a wake-up call to look at changing those things in your power to change to reduce the risk.