One of the reasons that blood pressure becomes a problem as we age is that the blood vessels become much less pliable as time goes on. Imagine the garden hose as it sits out in the sun. It becomes harder and stiffer. It takes more pressure to push the water out. Fat is needed for the proper function of every organ in the body, hormonal support, immune support, etc.
Healthy fats come from cold Atlantic fish and certain seeds or nuts.
My preference is to take essential fatty acids in supplement form instead of trying to rely on diet alone. I often use a combination of flax, fish and borages oils with great success. Sometimes it is a lack of certain minerals that is causing the blood pressure to rise. Often times extra magnesium can work like the calcium channel blockers do in lowering blood pressure, but without the possible side effects. I like recommend 150mg of magnesium aspartate twice daily.