Crystal Kung Minkoff is opening up about a frightening recent health scare that left her realizing just how serious high blood pressure can be.
During the April 27 episode of her “Humble Brag With Crystal and Cynthia” podcast, the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star revealed she had just come from the doctor after her blood pressure spiked to 160/110, putting her in what she described as dangerous territory.
“I was like, ‘OK, so we’re in the realm of stroke now,’” Minkoff said. She added that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer.”
The 43-year-old explained that she had been feeling constant pressure in her chest, which pushed her to get checked. Her doctor told her her heart rate was unusually low and said the pressure was likely caused by her heart working too hard.
After an EKG, Minkoff learned her heart was slightly enlarged, and her doctor immediately doubled her blood pressure medication.
She said he explained that about 80 percent of the issue is hereditary, but the remaining 20 percent comes down to daily habits she can change.
Her Doctor Told Her Hiking Wasn’t Enough
One of the biggest conversations during her appointment centered around exercise.
Minkoff said her doctor told her hiking alone was not enough to properly challenge her heart and stressed that she needs more cardio and strength training, especially weightlifting as women age and lose muscle faster.
“He said, ‘You’re 43. Hiking is not enough for you to make your heart work,’” she shared, per People.
He recommended five days or five hours of exercise each week and told her she needs to make fitness part of her regular mental and physical routine, not just something occasional.
Her doctor also warned her not to wait too long to take the issue seriously.
“I only say this because I’m 43 and he’s like, ‘Look, you can wait 10 years, but by the time you’re in your 50s, you’re not going to have any motivation left,’” she said.
He told her starting now could help prevent major health issues later in life.
This Isn’t Her First Scary Blood Pressure Episode
This is not the first time Minkoff has dealt with a major blood pressure scare.
Back in January 2024, during a cast trip to Barcelona on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” she experienced what she feared were stroke symptoms after severe motion sickness left her dizzy, nauseous and visibly unwell.
According to People, castmates noticed her skin looked gray, she was sweating heavily and her veins were bulging. Crystal became worried she might be having a stroke, while Annemarie Wiley, who has a medical background, helped assess the situation.
When paramedics arrived, her blood pressure was recorded at 177/108, and she was taken to the hospital.
She later returned after receiving IV fluids, anti-nausea medication and a prescription, but admitted the experience deeply shook her.
“My family has a history of high blood pressure [and] hypertension,” she said during the episode. “It was so scary… some people can’t come back. I’ve never been faced with my mortality.”
Just a few months later, in April 2024, Minkoff announced she was leaving “RHOBH” after three seasons. She called the decision “very bittersweet” and reflected on being the franchise’s first Asian American cast member.
“This is not goodbye, this is a see you soon,” she told fans.
Now, as she focuses on her health, Minkoff is making it clear that taking care of herself is no longer something she can put off.
