Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Care at EHS

High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults in the U.S., and many do not know they have it. Led by Chief of Cardiology Dheeraj Khurana, MD, the cardiology team at EHS brings vast expertise across the full spectrum of heart conditions, from hypertension management to complex cardiovascular care.

Watch Dr. Khurana explain high blood pressure, including who is at risk, why it matters and how it is treated.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When that force stays too high over time, it is called hypertension or high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is written as two numbers, like 120/80. The top number (systolic) measures pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) measures pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Why is hypertension called “the silent killer”? Most people with high blood pressure feel completely fine. Often no warning signs present. That is why getting your blood pressure checked regularly is so important, even when you feel healthy.

What Raises Your Risk of Hypertension?

Some risk factors are things you can change. Others, like age or family history, are not in your control — but knowing about them helps you and your doctor stay ahead of the problem.

• Family History: If a parent or sibling has high blood pressure, your risk is higher. Genes play a role in how your body regulates blood pressure.
• Age: Blood pressure tends to rise with age. Men are more likely to develop it before 55; women’s risk increases after menopause.
• High Salt Intake: Too much sodium causes your body to hold onto extra fluid, which raises blood pressure. Processed and fast foods are common hidden sources.
• Excess Weight: Being overweight makes your heart work harder to supply blood, increasing pressure on artery walls.
• Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart and is linked to higher blood pressure over time.
• Other Conditions: Diabetes, sleep apnea, and kidney disease can all contribute to high blood pressure. Dr. Khurana has noted that high blood sugar damages blood vessel walls and raises cardiovascular risk significantly.
• Smoking & Alcohol: Nicotine raises blood pressure immediately, and heavy drinking raises it over time.
• Chronic Stress: Long-term stress can lead to habits such as overeating or poor sleep that raise blood pressure.

Why High Blood Pressure Matters

Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure puts constant strain on your heart and blood vessels. This makes serious health problems much more likely:

• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Heart Failure
• Kidney Disease
• Vision Loss
• Memory Problems

The good news: when blood pressure is controlled, the risk of all of these goes down significantly.

Seek emergency care right away if you experience:

Severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden numbness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking. These can be signs of a hypertensive crisis or stroke and need immediate attention.

How High Blood Pressure Is Treated at EHS

Treatment often combines lifestyle changes with medication. Your EHS care team will build a plan based on your specific numbers, health history, and goals. Some lifestyle changes listed below can improve your overall heart health:

• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
  The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is one of the most proven ways to lower blood pressure. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Cut back on sodium — ideally to less than 1,500 mg per day.
• Get Regular Exercise
  Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, swimming, or biking, at least 5 days a week. Regular movement strengthens the heart and lowers blood pressure over time.
• Reach and Maintain a Healthy Weight
  Even modest weight loss can make a meaningful difference in blood pressure. Your doctor can help you set a realistic goal.
• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
  Stopping smoking reduces cardiovascular risk right away. Limiting alcohol to one drink a day (for women) or two (for men) also helps keep blood pressure lower.
• Take Prescribed Medications
  When lifestyle changes alone are not enough, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication. Common options include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. Taking your medication consistently — even when you feel fine — is one of the most important things you can do.
• Monitor Your Blood Pressure
  Home monitoring helps you and your doctor see patterns over time. Ask your care team how to do it correctly and which readings to track.

Your EHS team works with you. At Episcopal Health Services, our cardiologists create personalized care plans that address your specific risk factors and health goals. Through our Get With The Guidelines Heart Failure Program, a multidisciplinary team (including cardiologists, dietitians, and pharmacists) reviews your care regularly to ensure you are on the best path forward.

Additionally, your EHS Primary Care physician also plays a critical role, monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol at regular visits, and referring you to a cardiologist whenever more specialized testing or care is needed. If you need a primary care doctor, please visit ehs.org/cardiology or call 718-EHS-DOCS (718-327-3627).