Given Up Smoking And Developed Hypertension Since

Despite being a heavy smoker most of my life, I never had a problem with blood pressure. In fact, it was usually on the low side. I managed to stop smoking 23rd June this year and it's been an extremely stressful quit. However, I have managed not to smoke despite feeling desperate at times and would be very happy about this except I now seem to have developed borderline high blood pressure. I have been tested 3 times over the last month and results were 140/80 - 140/80 and 140/78. I have been told to come back to doctor again this week to have it retested in case it is just stress that has brought this on. I am not eating rubbish despite wanting to, in fact, my diet has improved since I gave up smoking - I've been focusing on healthy foods, trying to exercise more etc.

I know that stress can cause high blood pressure, but it would be so ironic if giving up smoking led to this. Is it possible it is only temporary and will go down again after a while..I do not want to start taking medication. I am 51 and smoked for 35 years.