by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Blog, Heart Health
Many serious ailments come with warning signs like a lump or pain. High blood pressure, however, can often be a "silent killer" with no symptoms.
Here at the NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Secaucus and Newark, New Jersey, Dr. Kunal Patel and our highly trained team offer state-of-the-art treatment in our friendly relaxed offices. Whether you are suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, varicose veins, or other issues, we provide personalized care and a customized treatment plan to improve your health.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers that measure the force of the blood against the artery walls. The top (systolic) number measures the force when the heart is beating, and it’s the larger of the two numbers. The bottom (diastolic) number measures the pressure when the heart is relaxed between beats. Blood pressure is considered normal when the systolic number is less than 120 and the diastolic is lower than 80.
Symptoms and statistics
Most people don’t have any symptoms of high blood pressure. Others may experience general symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, which they often don't take seriously. It's not surprising, then, that approximately 11 million adults in the United States don’t know they have high blood pressure — and aren’t receiving treatment.
Risk factors
A number of risk factors can influence who develops high blood pressure. Aging increases the chances, with it being more common in men until their mid-60s, at which point women become more likely to see high numbers. It is also more common in people of African heritage. Genetics play a role, too.
Lifestyle choices can also affect your risk. Being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, using tobacco, and drinking too much alcohol can all play a role. A poor diet, including too much salt and too little potassium, can also contribute. Stress, as well as some chronic health ailments, can also increase your risk.
Diagnosis and treatment
Given high blood pressure can lead to everything from heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms to heart failure, vision issues, dementia, and more, it's important to know your numbers and get treatment if they are high.
Blood pressure changes throughout the day and can also rise when you're at the doctor's office. Therefore, your reading will typically be taken two or three times at three or more separate appointments to make sure the numbers are accurate and consistent. It is measured in both arms, and your doctor may even ask you to take it at home for comparison.
If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, improving your lifestyle habits can help, including eating a heart-healthy diet that’s low in salt, exercising regularly, losing weight if necessary, and watching your alcohol intake. If healthier habits don't bring your numbers down low enough, medications can also be discussed.
If you're not sure of your blood pressure numbers or have any other cardiology issues, contact Dr. Patel today to make sure your heart stays in the best condition possible.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Your heart is one of the most important organs. It pumps blood throughout your whole body, supplies oxygen and nutrients to your other organs and tissues, and removes waste products like carbon dioxide. Medical conditions that make it difficult for your heart to do its job are collectively known as heart disease.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Kunal Patel is a highly experienced, board-certified cardiologist who helps you take good care of your heart. Dr. Patel uses a preventive approach to help you improve your heart health, as well as avoid or manage conditions like heart disease. Here’s what our team would like you to know about the nature of heart disease, some of its lifestyle-related risk factors, and what you can do about them.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is very common, and it’s also deadly. About 610,000 Americans die every year from heart disease. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women. Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is an umbrella term that includes a number of conditions such as coronary artery disease, angina, and congenital heart defects.
There are a number of factors that affect how likely you are to develop heart disease. These are known as risk factors. Some of these factors are set, such as your age, gender, and genetics. However, you have much more control over certain risk factors that are based on your lifestyle.
Risk factors you can change
Smoking
Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack than those who never smoked. Smoking damages your arteries, resulting in a buildup of fatty material, which in turn narrows your arteries. This narrowing of the arteries can cause a heart attack, because blood can’t travel through them.
If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your heart is to quit. Also, avoid spending time around people when they’re smoking, since secondhand smoke isn’t good for your heart, either.
Cholesterol
Your liver produces cholesterol, which is a component of all your cells that is used to make essential substances such as hormones. You also take in cholesterol from the foods you eat. Cholesterol comes in two forms: low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is usually known as the “bad” cholesterol because if you have too much of it, it can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease. High density lipoprotein is called the “good” cholesterol because it helps flush excess cholesterol back to your liver. Eating foods high in LDL, such as rich meats and fatty dairy products, can cause you to have high levels of cholesterol.
Hypertension
Hypertension means that you consistently have high blood pressure, so the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. If not controlled, this pressure can cause damage to the tissues inside your arteries, creating a place for cholesterol to gather and narrowing the space where your blood can flow.
Inactivity
It is estimated that 35% of heart disease deaths occur as a result of physical inactivity. Your heart is a muscle, and it needs to be exercised regularly to keep it strong. In addition, regular exercise reduces blood pressure, decreases the chance of developing diabetes, and reduces obesity — which are three other risk factors for heart disease.
Obesity
Obesity puts you at risk for heart disease because it can increase your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can lead to fatty buildup in your arteries, reducing the flow of blood and creating a risk for heart attacks. In addition, obesity can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure. Losing some weight can take a lot of strain off your heart.
Uncontrolled diabetes
A hormone called insulin allows your body to turn sugar (glucose) that’s in your blood into energy for your body. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce any insulin, or not enough. This results in high levels of glucose remaining in your blood, which is a state known as hyperglycemia. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can damage your blood vessels, resulting in heart disease.
Heart disease is a very serious medical condition, but there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make that will help keep your heart healthy. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Kunal Patel takes care of your heart and teaches you how to prevent heart disease. Call our office or set up an appointment using our online booking tool today.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
By now you don’t have to be a nutritionist to know that too much cholesterol is bad for your heart health. If you have high cholesterol, you certainly aren’t alone. About 95 million adults in the United States have unhealthy cholesterol levels. This makes fighting high cholesterol a health priority.
To arm patients with knowledge on managing cholesterol, we’ve put together seven practical ways you can start getting your cholesterol under control today.
Tip #1: Eat cholesterol-fighting foods
What you eat has a major impact on cholesterol balance. Indulge in too much saturated fat and levels of harmful cholesterol will rise. The good news is you can use food to your advantage. Incorporating cholesterol-lowering foods into your diet is an excellent way to fight high cholesterol. Here are our top three cholesterol-fighting picks:
Oats
If you pick up a container of oats, you may notice a heart symbol with a statement that oats lower the risk of heart disease. The Food and Drug Administration approved this claim because oats contain beta glucan, a soluble fiber that reduces cholesterol. Make oats a part of your heart-healthy diet.
Beans
Oats aren’t the only cholesterol-lowering food though, as beans are especially rich in soluble fiber, too. With so many types of beans and the myriad ways to prepare them, you have endless options for incorporating more beans into your diet. No matter what type of bean you like best, they’re all rich in soluble fiber and provide cholesterol-lowering benefits.
Fish
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats your body needs to function properly and that also help lower LDL cholesterol. To reap cholesterol-battling benefits, aim to eat fatty fish 2-3 times a week.
Tip #2: Limit saturated fat
Out of all the components in your diet, saturated fat has the strongest influence on raising levels of bad cholesterol. Limiting saturated fat from fatty cuts of meat, butter, cheese, and other dairy foods and eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can get your cholesterol numbers moving in the right direction.
Tip #3: Lose weight
Most adults are carrying some excess weight, and the extra pounds work against healthy cholesterol levels. On the upside, even modest weight loss of 10% of your total body weight has a potent impact on lowering cholesterol. If you’re overweight, shedding some of the excess weight can have a major impact on fighting high cholesterol.
Tip #4: Quit smoking
Despite what we know about the negative health effects of smoking, it’s estimated that more than 34 million American adults smoke cigarettes and roughly half of them are living with a smoking-related disease. Not only does smoking damage your arteries, it lowers levels of good cholesterol.
People who smoke are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease than nonsmokers. If you smoke and you struggle with high cholesterol, it’s even more crucial that you take steps to stop smoking. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully in the past, talk to your doctor about resources to help you quit. Medications and programs are available.
Tip #5: Move more
Along with making changes to your diet, exercise is one of the most effective ways to fight high cholesterol naturally. Physical activity boosts good cholesterol and lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. It does this even if you’re currently overweight. Research shows that when combined with a heart-healthy diet, physical activity like walking, jogging, or cycling improves cholesterol in obese adults.
Tip #6: Moderate alcohol consumption
Moderate alcohol consumption may offer health benefits, such as boosting good cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease. This is no reason to start drinking if you don’t currently consume alcohol though.
Heavy drinking, on the other hand, has a negative influence on cholesterol and increases the risk of developing heart disease. Avoiding heavy alcohol consumption can improve your cholesterol levels. Stick to moderate alcohol consumption. Moderate intake is considered two drinks a day for men and one drink per day for women.
Tip #7: Discuss medication
Lifestyle changes are often enough to bring your numbers down if you have high cholesterol. However, if your cholesterol is severely elevated or you have other factors that make it more difficult to control cholesterol, lifestyle changes aren’t always enough. Protecting your heart is the number one priority. If your levels remain elevated despite lifestyle changes, discuss cholesterol-lowering medication with your doctor.
High cholesterol is a serious threat to your heart health. Partnering with a health professional like our board-certified cardiologist Dr. Kunal Patel, is a wise place to start on the path to improved cholesterol. Visit us here at the NJ Cardiovascular Institute for a checkup and for more information about how you can keep your heart healthy. Call 201-866-7000 to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Secaucus or Newark, New Jersey. Additionally, we accept booking requests here on our website
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women of all races in the United States. Also known as cardiovascular disease, it’s caused by inflammation and plaque buildup inside blood vessels. This leads to narrowing or blockage inside the vessels, which causes heart attacks and strokes.
American Heart Month is focused on raising awareness about heart disease. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we’re here to be your partner in heart health. Our team is highly trained in preventing and managing heart disease, helping men and women make smart choices to improve cardiovascular health and overall wellness.
To find out more about how you can reduce your risk of heart disease, book a consultation with our cardiologist, Dr. Kunal Patel, online or on the phone. Today, Dr. Patel shares 10 heart-healthy foods to work into your diet and why they’re beneficial for your body.
1. Avocado
Fats often get a bad reputation in the world of healthy eating, but monounsaturated fats are healthy fats that are linked to improved brain function, heart health, and more. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats along with potassium for heart health.
Eating avocados regularly can reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and high cholesterol. The potassium in avocados can contribute to lower blood pressure and lower risk of stroke.
2. Leafy greens
Leafy greens are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamin K, which is found in greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens, helps keep arteries healthy and promotes healthy blood clotting.
Regularly eating leafy greens can reduce blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease. The nitrates in leafy greens fight arterial stiffness and improve blood vessel function.
3. Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries have antioxidants called anthocyanins that reduce inflammation and free radical damage that contribute to heart disease.
Eating berries can reduce cholesterol, lower your risk of metabolic syndrome, and control blood pressure. Consider snacking on berries to boost heart health or make berries the centerpiece of salads and desserts.
4. Whole grains
Whole grains contain all the most beneficial parts of grain. Foods like whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa are examples of whole grains. When foods contain not only the nutrient-rich germ and endosperm, but also the fiber-rich bran, they can lower your risk of heart disease.
When compared to refined grains like white bread and commercially-baked cakes and pastries, whole grains have more fiber, which may help lower both “bad” cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
5. Nuts
Almonds and walnuts are dense in vitamins and minerals like magnesium, copper, and manganese. They’re also high in fiber and monounsaturated fats, which are both good for your heart health.
Regularly eating almonds and walnuts can contribute to lower cholesterol levels, which is a plus for your heart. While nuts have numerous heart-healthy benefits, they’re also high in calories, so watch your portion sizes.
6. Seeds
Flax, hemp, and chia seeds can all have heart-healthy benefits. They contain omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, and contribute to lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, as well as reduced inflammation.
These seeds can be baked into breads or added to oatmeal or smoothies for a heart-healthy boost.
7. Fatty fish
Omega-3 fats boast numerous benefits for the heart. Fatty fish, including tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines, all contain high levels of this supernutrient. Omega-3 fats improve heart health by reducing inflammation, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
However, many Americans don’t eat much seafood. If you don’t want to add fish to your diet, consider taking fish oil supplements, which is an alternative way to get omega-3 fats and reap the heart-healthy benefits.
8. Beans
Beans have a compound called resistant starch that helps feed healthy bacteria in the gut. Eating beans and legumes can reduce cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels. Diets rich in beans and legumes may also lead to lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation, both of which can lower your risk of heart disease.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a popular seasoning, but it also has medicinal benefits. Allicin, a compound naturally found in garlic, has been proven to help treat high blood pressure.
Garlic may also reduce cholesterol levels in people who suffer from high cholesterol. In some cases, compounds in garlic help stop platelet buildup in blood vessels, which can reduce your risk of blood clots and stroke.
Eating raw garlic or crushing it and letting it rest for a couple of minutes before adding it to your meal allows the allicin to form. If you want the benefits of garlic without adding it to your food, oral garlic supplements are available.
10. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that benefit the heart. Eating dark chocolate regularly has been linked to lower risk of heart disease and lower risk of calcified plaque buildup in arteries.
Despite the heart healthy benefits of dark chocolate, it can be high in calories and sugar. When adding chocolate to your diet for heart health, choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and enjoy it in moderation.
Making a few small changes to your diet can result in stronger heart health and improved well-being. Let our team help you find the right heart-healthy lifestyle changes for you. Book an appointment online or call one of our offices in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey.
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