A few years back, I went into one of those supermarket test kiosks for blood pressure. Don't remember the exact numbers, but it was so high when I mentioned it to my daughter, who had some medical training, she was shocked. She thought I could have a stroke at any moment. I was probably around 50 years old. So, I get to the doctor, and when the nurse checked by BP, she looked confused, and checked it again. It was like the highest she had ever seen.
Considering that I don't drink or smoke, and I exercise regularly, it was quite a surprise, but they said it can be hereditary. After that doctor visit, I was put on medicine, and it's now normal, and has been for years.
So, I don't know if Perry had a history of it, or just hadn't had it checked, but high blood pressure can kill you very fast, and without any other symptoms.
Very glad that you caught high blood pressure in time.
Apparently Perry was "health conscience" as he changed his diet after the colonoscopy scare.