If you have High Blood Pressure or worry about your blood pressure numbers, you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with this every day
— but the good news is that High Blood Pressure can be managed with the right care.
At Manhattan Medical Arts, our team helps patients in Chelsea and across New York City take control of their heart health. Our doctors
— Dr. Syra Hanif, MD (Primary Care Physician) and Dr. Dennis A. Ehrich, MD, FACC (Cardiologist) — work together to find what’s causing your
High Blood Pressure and create a plan that’s right for you.
What Is High Blood
Pressure?
High Blood Pressure (also called Hypertension) happens when your blood
pushes too hard against your artery walls. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body.
Over time, this can cause damage to your:
Normal Blood Pressure
Numbers
Category
Top Number
(Systolic)
Bottom Number
(Diastolic)
Normal
Below 120
Below 80
Elevated
120–129
Below 80
High Blood Pressure (Stage 1)
130–139
80-89
High Blood Pressure (Stage 2)
140+
90+
If your numbers are above 180/120 and you have headache, chest pain, or vision
changes — it’s an emergency. Call 911 right away.
Why High Blood Pressure Is Serious
High Blood Pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. You may feel fine for years while damage builds inside your body.
If left untreated, High Blood Pressure can lead to:
- Heart Disease and Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Kidney Problems
- Vision Loss
- Memory and Focus Issues
That’s why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly and work with a doctor to keep it in a healthy range.

How We Find The Cause
At Manhattan Medical Arts, we take time to understand your body and what’s behind your High Blood Pressure.
We use:
- In-office blood pressure checks
- 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
- Blood tests for kidney and hormone function
- EKG and Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
- Urine and cholesterol tests
- Pulse wave analysis for artery stiffness
These tests help us learn whether your High Blood Pressure is caused by lifestyle, stress, or another
medical problem.
Your Personalized
Treatment Plan
Every patient is different — that’s why your care plan is built just for you.
Our goal is to lower your blood pressure safely and help you live a healthier life.
Lifestyle Support
We’ll help you:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (low salt, fresh fruits and vegetables)
- Get regular exercise (at least 30 minutes most days)
- Quit smoking
- Sleep better and manage stress
- Cut down on alcohol and caffeine
Medication Management
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, we use the right mix of medicines, such as:
- Diuretics (help remove extra salt and water)
- Beta-blockers (slow your heart rate)
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs (relax your blood vessels)
- Calcium-channel blockers (help blood flow easily)
Dr. Dennis A. Ehrich, our in-house cardiologist, specializes in managing patients with hard-to-control High Blood
Pressure and heart disease.

When to See a Blood Pressure Specialist
You should schedule a visit if:
- Your blood pressure stays high even with medication
- You take 3 or more medicines but numbers are still high
- You have heart or kidney problems
- You’re pregnant with high blood pressure
- You have headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Don’t wait for symptoms — early care prevents long-term damage.
Why Patients Choose
Manhattan Medical Arts
We make it easy to get expert care for your High Blood Pressure in one trusted place.
Visit Us
Meet Our Doctors
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes High Blood Pressure?
It can come from being overweight, eating too much salt, not exercising, smoking, or family history.
Can High Blood Pressure go away?
It can be managed and controlled — sometimes even improved with healthy habits and the right medicine.
What should my blood pressure be?
Most adults should stay below 130/80 mmHg.
Can stress cause High Blood Pressure?
Yes, stress can cause short spikes, but long-term High Blood Pressure usually has other causes too.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
At least once a year if it’s normal — more often if you already have High Blood Pressure.

