Untreated high blood pressure is associated with an array of serious medical conditions including heart attack and stroke. At his Manhattan practice, Dr. Herbert Insel helps patients throughout New York City take important steps to keep blood pressure under control so they can enjoy better health and avoid serious complications.
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force required to move blood through the vessels. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and readings provide two numbers as the result – the systolic pressure, which is the pressure of the blood against the vessel walls while your heart is beating, and the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure of the blood while your heart rests between beats. Generally, a pressure above 120/80 mm Hg is considered to be high. High blood pressure is also called hypertension.
High blood pressure can be caused by many factors including smoking, being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet or too much sodium in the diet, excess alcohol consumption and underlying diseases including kidney disease and diabetes. High blood pressure is also more common with older age and among those with a family history of the disease. Stress and sleep apnea can also play contributing roles.
High blood pressure typically causes no symptoms until a more serious event like a heart attack or stroke occurs. Having routine blood pressure checks is the best way to identify high blood pressure in its earliest stages so treatment can be provided to avoid serious medical issues. Without appropriate treatment, hypertension can result in heart and vessel damage, kidney and other organ damage, dementia, heart attack and stroke. It also increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis or “hardening” of the arteries, a serious condition that develops when sticky plaques build up along artery walls, causing them to become narrow and inhibiting the normal flow of blood.
Sometimes, mild high blood pressure can be treated with lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, losing weight, reducing sodium intake and being more physically active. But when these steps are not enough, medication may be needed to help maintain a normal pressure. Regular monitoring is also essential.
We accept many major insurance providers. Although we are out of network with Aetna and Oxford, we welcome the opportunity to take care of you with your out of network benefits. Please call our office to discuss details further. Dr. Insel does not accept any exchange or marketplace plans.
"He is understanding but not assumptive, and really took the time to explore all possible answers to the questions I had."
"Hands down the best doctor in New York City. Spends more time with you than any other doctor; extremely thorough."
"Dr. Insel is the most compassionate and knowledgable doctor I have ever met. I wish every doctor would have his bedside manner-I would go to doctors more often."
"Dr. Insel is very personable and caring I came to him when I was at my worst and he ensured he provided the best care."
"I love him, my doctor for 25 years, the best. I've sent 10 people to him..."
"Dr. Insel is incredibly competent and caring."
"Dr. Insel is a thoughtful and thorough doctor who cares very much for this patient's physical and emotional wellbeing."
"All good! Takes the time to explain everything in depth."
"His service made me feel like I was his only Patient."
"Made me feel like I was very important."
"He's a knowledgable cardiologist, who's down to earth. He has always been spot on his diagnoses."
"The best treatment available!"
"Over ten years Dr. Insel has proven to be a caring and excellent physician."
"His mantra of "moderation in all things" that we use to shrug off has proven to be the most valuable in taking care of one's health and/or effectuating changes."
"As I write this I am being given tests necessary to make sure that I am healthy and doing the correct practices to stay that way."
"I have had Dr. Insel as my primary Dr. for many, many years and I feel much better because of him and his staff."
"Dr Insel is a superb clinician; his office staff is kind, professional and efficient."
"I love the fact that he performed the echo and stress echo himself and not a technician. He was extremely knowledgeable."
"My mother has been a patient for 25 years. Dr. Insel is an excellent cardiologist. He is caring, compassionate and treats her with kindness and dignity."
"Dr. Insel has been my internist/cardiologist for more than 20 years. I highly recommend Dr. Insel to anyone needing a general internist with a specialty in Cardiology."
