To be honest, I don't quite understand your objection - maybe it's because of my phrasing. The convo went like this:
Dr: This is a number that would normally indicate meds, but you have so much room for improvement in your diet, I suggest starting with that.
Me: I prefer to try without meds, at least initially.
Dr: Good. I think you'll be able to bring those numbers down a lot in a month. You're not at a pressure where you need to worry that you could have a heart attack or stroke any minute.
Me: OK.
Dr: If you'd feel better taking meds now to bring the BP down right away, we can do that, it's your choice.
Me: Let's start with diet-only and see how it goes.