by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Hypertension is a contributing cause of nearly half a million deaths in the United States each year. It’s a chronic medical condition that’s diagnosed when the pressure inside your arteries is higher than normal, and only one in four people with hypertension have the condition under control.
Hypertension is often called “the silent killer,” because the condition has no warning signs. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is through regular blood pressure checks. It sounds scary, but if you’re diagnosed with hypertension, managing your condition can help you live a healthier life.
Our heart team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, led by Dr. Kunal Patel, is highly trained in diagnosing and treating hypertension. The first step to a healthier heart is understanding your risk of developing hypertension, and we’re here to help.
Recognizing your risk factors for hypertension
While it’s natural for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the course of a day, hypertension means that your blood pressure is always elevated. Consistently high blood pressure can damage your heart, eventually leading to serious complications like heart attack, stroke, or death.
Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but certain risk factors may make the condition more likely.
Men, seniors, people with a family history of hypertension, and those of African descent have a higher risk.
Some other common risk factors for hypertension include:
Obesity
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy diet
Tobacco use
Alcohol use
Stress
Some risk factors are genetic, and you can’t change them. But there’s a lot you can do to improve your health and lower your blood pressure.
Modifying your lifestyle to improve your heart health can reduce your risk of hypertension, even if you have genetic risk factors. Talk to our team about your unique health history to find out what you can do to stay as healthy as possible.
Receiving a hypertension diagnosis
Hypertension often goes undiagnosed, because unlike many other chronic conditions, you can’t feel that something is wrong. Getting a blood pressure reading is the only way to know what your blood pressure is.
A blood pressure reading has two numbers: systolic on the top and diastolic on the bottom. Normal blood pressures are below 120/80. You’re at risk for hypertension if your reading is between 120/80 and 129/80, and the stages of hypertension begin when your blood pressure reaches 130/80.
When you come to our office for heart care, you’ll get your blood pressure taken. Our team generally diagnoses hypertension if you’ve had a high blood pressure reading at three separate visits to the office.
Receiving a hypertension diagnosis can be scary, but living a long, healthy life is possible with proper care. If you’re at risk for high blood pressure or you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, you can improve your health to reduce your chances of life-threatening complications.
NJ Cardiovascular Institute offers a unique Heart Smart Program, so you don’t have to do it alone. From nutritional management and exercise plans to educational content and diagnostic services, you can be confident that you’re making the right choices for heart health.
Is it time for your heart checkup? Don’t let high blood pressure go undetected and undiagnosed. Call one of our offices in Newark or Secaucus, New Jersey, or book your appointment online.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
A stent is a tiny mesh tube that fits inside an artery. It opens the artery to allow unobstructed blood flow to the heart, and it’s one of the most effective treatments for coronary artery disease.
Getting a stent requires a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty. And if your loved one just found out they need a stent, it’s normal to have questions.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in heart care. We take a holistic approach to heart disease treatment, and we work with patients and their families to manage their health.
Here’s what you need to know if your loved one is scheduled for angioplasty.
When is a stent necessary?
Stents treat coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. If you have coronary artery disease, plaque builds up in the arteries that transport blood to your heart, restricting blood flow, causing chest pain, and making your heart work harder.
There’s no cure for coronary artery disease, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, these conservative treatments aren’t always enough for severe heart disease.
Angioplasty is a procedure that places a small mesh tube called a stent into an artery. The stent opens narrowed or blocked arteries to improve heart health and lower your risk of complications, including heart attack.
What to expect during angioplasty
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure with local anesthesia. Depending on your loved one’s health, we may administer a sedative to help them relax, and they may or may not be awake during the procedure.
Dr. Patel begins by cleaning an area of skin where he makes a small incision. This might be in the arm, wrist, leg, or groin.
He inserts a thin wire (catheter) through the incision and into a blood vessel, then uses X-ray imaging to guide the wire to the blocked artery. Once it’s in place, he inflates a small balloon to expand the artery and then places the mesh stent.
If your loved one has more than one blocked artery, Dr. Patel can place multiple stents in a single procedure. Angioplasty can take up to several hours from start to finish.
We monitor your loved one’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level throughout the procedure. Once all blockages are addressed, we move them into recovery.
What happens after angioplasty
After angioplasty, the patient usually stays in the hospital overnight so their condition can be monitored. We keep a close eye on your loved one’s heart and make adjustments to their heart medication as needed.
The next day, your loved one can go home. We give you at-home care instructions, such as making sure they drink plenty of fluids and rest for a few days. Expect activity to be limited for about a week, at which point they can return to work and their usual routine.
Call Dr. Patel right away if you notice bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection where we inserted the catheter, or if your loved one experiences pain, discomfort, weakness, or shortness of breath.
Your loved one’s medications may change after angioplasty, so it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions. Angioplasty doesn’t cure heart disease, and they need regular follow-up care to maintain their heart health.
When a blocked artery threatens your loved one’s health, a stent could be the best solution. Send us a message online or call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, to learn more.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Chest pain takes many different forms. From an ongoing dull ache to sharp pains that come and go, experiencing chest pain can make you worry that you’re having a heart attack.
While chest pain can indicate a heart attack, there are lots of other possible causes, and they’re not all life-threatening. Muscle strains, acid reflux, and even indigestion could cause chest discomfort, as pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.
Chest pain has a variety of causes, but it’s not normal and you should never ignore it. Kunal Patel, MD and our cardiac team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing and treating chest pain, and we’re here to help you figure out what’s causing your discomfort.
Possible causes of chest pain
Your chest includes the area on the front of your body, from your stomach to your shoulders. It contains lots of bones and muscles, and the two main organs in your chest are your heart and lungs.
A few common vascular conditions that may cause chest pain include:
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Angina
Aortic dissection
Pericarditis
Pulmonary embolism
Sometimes, chest pain has nothing to do with your heart or vascular system. Other conditions that can cause chest discomfort include:
Acid reflux (heartburn)
Bronchitis or pneumonia
Gallstones
Muscle strain
Panic attack
Shingles
Different conditions cause different types of pain, but you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose your condition.
Making a doctor’s appointment for chest pain
If you notice mild-to-moderate chest pain without any other symptoms, schedule a cardiology appointment to have an exam. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing, including stress tests and echocardiograms, to identify any irregularities in your heart’s function.
Regular doctor’s appointments are important, even if you aren’t bothered by chest pain. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease are very common health issues that can cause heart problems – but they don’t have noticeable warning signs.
Dr. Patel and our team want to make heart health part of our patients’ lives. Our Heart Smart Program makes it easy to implement healthy lifestyle changes and improve your heart health one step at a time.
Emergency care for chest pain
Heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and other serious conditions are life-threatening and require emergency medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you notice symptoms including:
Crushing or squeezing chest pain
Pain in shoulders or arms
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Cold sweat
Nausea
Vomiting
If you’re unsure whether you or someone near you is experiencing a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
Chest pain isn’t normal, but experiencing it doesn’t mean you need to panic. Turn to Dr. Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute for quality heart care. Call the New Jersey office nearest you or request your first appointment online today.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of heart arrhythmia that affects as many as 6 million Americans. This common heart condition causes rapid, irregular heartbeats, and your risk for having it increases as you get older.
Some people with AFib don’t have any symptoms and don’t know they have it, but AFib is linked to increased risk of stroke, among other health issues. In fact, people with AFib are nearly five times as likely to suffer a stroke than those who don’t have it.
But having AFib doesn’t mean a stroke is inevitable. The team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute understands the risks that AFib brings, and we’re here to help you maintain your best health. We offer AFib testing, such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor, and ongoing care management to keep your heart strong and reduce your chances of stroke.
The link between AFib and stroke
In a healthy heart, the upper chambers (atria) beat in tandem with the lower chambers (ventricles) to move blood through your body. AFib is a heart arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, that causes the atria to beat out of sync with the ventricles.
When the atria and ventricles aren’t coordinated, blood can pool and clot in the atria. It’s possible for a clot to break off and travel to your brain, blocking cerebral arteries and triggering a stroke.
A stroke is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate care to prevent permanent damage or death. It often causes sudden numbness, dizziness, or changes in vision and speech. If you or someone near you shows signs of stroke, call 911 immediately.
Some people notice symptoms like heart palpitations or fatigue with AFib, but many more don’t know they have it until they begin experiencing other heart issues. To preserve your health as you age, getting screened for AFib is important.
When to consider getting an AFib screening
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our team offers echocardiograms (EKGs) to identify potential heart problems before you suffer a stroke or heart attack. An EKG is a noninvasive test that allows us to examine the condition of your heart’s chambers and your heartbeat.
You could benefit from an AFib screening if you:
Are over the age of 50
Have heart disease
Have diabetes
Have high blood pressure
Are obese
Have a family history of AFib
Certain other health conditions, like sleep apnea, can increase your risk of AFib. If you have a history of heart problems or you have other risk factors, you could benefit from AFib screening beginning as early as age 40.
Up to 20% of people who experience a stroke have AFib, and many risk factors are the same. Older adults are at the greatest risk for both, and getting screened can help you take control over your health.
If you have AFib, we can recommend treatment options that reduce your risk of stroke. Blood-thinning medications work to prevent blood clots, and routine monitoring can help us track any changes in your heart health that could make a stroke more likely.
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to actively reducing your risk of stroke and other health problems. When you partner with our team to preserve your heart health, it’s possible to stay healthier longer.
AFib screening is an important preventive measure for older adults. Whether you’re at risk for AFib or you already know you have the condition, book an appointment with us for top-quality heart care. You can choose the office closest to you in either Secaucus or Newark, New Jersey.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Experiencing chest pain is scary. But when the pain comes and goes, it can be difficult to know whether it’s a cause for worry.
Intermittent chest pain refers to any type of chest pain that occurs on and off, rather than constantly. It can be sharp or dull, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Sometimes, it’s accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
If you have chest pain, you should always take it seriously. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing and treating chest pain, and we’re here to help you find answers.
Here’s what you need to know about intermittent chest pain and when to go to the doctor for it.
Common reasons for intermittent chest pain
Some of the most common causes of intermittent chest pain are:
Acid reflux
Also known as heartburn, acid reflux often causes a burning sensation in your chest that’s easy to mistake for chest pain. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus. While it irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes discomfort, it doesn’t have anything to do with your heart.
Angina
Angina is a common type of chest pain that occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Angina pain can be intermittent, and many people describe it as a tightness or pressure in the chest.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to your lungs and blocks blood flow. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms — and it’s a medical emergency that requires prompt care.
Panic attacks
Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear and overwhelm. One of the most common symptoms of a panic attack is chest pain, and some people say it feels like having a heart attack. Other symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis develops when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone gets inflamed. It can cause sharp, intermittent chest pain. Like panic attacks, the symptoms of costochondritis can easily be mistaken for a heart attack.
When to go to the doctor of intermittent chest pain
If you have chest pain, you should always go to the doctor to have it checked out. Even if it’s not a medical emergency, it’s always best to seek medical attention to rule out any serious conditions.
Dr. Patel and our team perform a physical exam, take your medical history, and do a series of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests, or electrocardiograms.
Depending on your diagnosis, we may prescribe medications to manage your symptoms or treat an underlying condition. Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly, can also help manage your symptoms.
When to seek emergency medical care for chest pain
Not all causes of intermittent chest pain are serious, but some are. The situations where it’s especially important to seek immediate medical attention include chest pain that:
Is severe or persistent
Is accompanied by other symptoms
Occurs during physical activity
Occurs with a known heart condition
Severe chest pain or pain that comes along with other symptoms could be signs of a more serious condition. If you experience chest pain during physical activity or exercise, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Last but not least, always seek medical care if you have new or worsening chest pain and you have a history of heart disease or have been diagnosed with a heart condition.
Intermittent chest pain can be a symptom of a variety of conditions. While not all cases of intermittent chest pain require immediate medical attention, it’s not easy to determine the right course of action on your own.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute to learn more and find a treatment plan that’s right for you. Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online today.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
More than one-third of American adults have high blood pressure. It’s a common condition that carries serious health risks. Having high blood pressure increases your risk of suffering a stroke or a heart attack, but the good news is that it’s treatable.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Kunal Patel, MD, and our team specialize in heart care and high blood pressure. We take a comprehensive approach to preventing and managing high blood pressure, and treatment often begins with healthy lifestyle changes.
Whether you have high blood pressure now, or you’re hoping to avoid a diagnosis in the future, lifestyle adjustments can do a world of good for your heart. You can improve your heart health and your blood pressure numbers with these tips:
Eat a heart-healthy diet
The food you eat directly affects your blood pressure and your heart health. To fight the effects of high blood pressure, eat a nutritious diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy.
Avoid foods that are high in sodium and trans fats. That includes processed foods, bakery items, and fast food. Enjoying alcoholic drinks in moderation is generally okay, but keep drinks to one per day for women and two for men.
Quit smoking
Smoking cigarettes is one of the leading causes of heart disease, and heart disease is the top cause of death for men and women in the United States. Smoking damages your heart and lungs, and it’s also linked to high blood pressure.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but even if you’ve smoked for years, it’s not too late to quit. Your heart health begins improving as early as a few days after your last cigarette, and keeps improving with time. Kicking the habit helps lower blood pressure too.
Make exercise a habit
Regular exercise can lower your blood pressure naturally over time. To boost your heart health, strive to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days a week. Aerobic exercise includes activities like walking, jogging, biking, and swimming.
Incorporating exercise can lower your blood pressure and enhance your overall health. In fact, one study found that for sedentary older adults, regular aerobic exercise was just as effective as some blood pressure medications.
Manage your weight
Being overweight or obese contributes to high blood pressure, but losing extra weight can reduce your blood pressure numbers. Talk to Dr. Patel to find out what your ideal body weight is and whether your weight may be affecting your heart health.
If you’re overweight or obese, you don’t have to participate in a strenuous weight-loss program to see a difference in your health. When you eat a heart-healthy diet and incorporate exercise into your daily routine, you might be surprised to find that extra pounds drop off naturally.
You can take a proactive approach to managing high blood pressure with these healthy lifestyle changes. To learn more about how your lifestyle affects your heart and how our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute can help, schedule a consultation online or call one of our New Jersey offices for an appointment.
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