expert type icon EXPERT

Alan K. Tannenbaum

Cardiologist

Dr. Alan Tannenbaum is a cardiologist practicing in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Dr. Tannenbaum specializes in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. These conditions include heart attacks, heart murmurs, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Dr. Tannenbaum also practices preventative medicine, helping patients maintain a heart-healthy life.
51 years Experience
Alan Tannenbaum
  • Monroe Township, New Jersey
  • Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
  • Accepting new patients

Acute coronary artery disease?

There are numerous drugs used depending on the symptoms. The most common are beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. They can lower heart rate and decrease the demand on the READ MORE
There are numerous drugs used depending on the symptoms. The most common are beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. They can lower heart rate and decrease the demand on the heart. Nitroglycerin is used to dilate the coronary arteries and provide more blood flow. ACE inhibitors and ARB's are used to lower blood pressure. Aspirin is used to decrease clotting.

Chest pain?

First of all, you need to see your doctor. Right shoulder pain could be related to your gallbladder. You need a good physical exam.

Can you exercise if you have arrhythmia?

There are many types of arrhythmias. I don’t know what you have. However, most can be controlled and the patient can exercise. Consult your doctor.

Pulse rate question?

A resting pulse rate of 50 is fine as long as there are no symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness or passing out. Also, the rate should increase with exercise.

Palpitations after lunch?

Post-prandial tachycardia can be normal. After eating, blood is diverted to the digestive tract for digestion. The heart may work harder to keep up cardiac output. If there are READ MORE
Post-prandial tachycardia can be normal. After eating, blood is diverted to the digestive tract for digestion. The heart may work harder to keep up cardiac output. If there are no symptoms of chest pain or SOB, nothing needs to be done. You could eat smaller meals more frequently if you’re worried. If the tachycardia appears at other times during rest, then it needs to be checked out.

Coronary artery disease?

You don’t say how severe your disease is at present. Did you have surgery or a stent or are you taking medication. Talk to your doctor about these things.

Severe heartburn?

If this feels the same as your past heartburn, it probably is the same. However, lasting this long is unusual. You should not take chances. Please seek medical attention as soon READ MORE
If this feels the same as your past heartburn, it probably is the same. However, lasting this long is unusual. You should not take chances. Please seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How long is the hospital stay for angioplasty?

Depends on how complex the procedure is. Usually it’s just an overnight stay, however, if there are any complications, it may be longer. Also if it’s done through the arm instead READ MORE
Depends on how complex the procedure is. Usually it’s just an overnight stay, however, if there are any complications, it may be longer. Also if it’s done through the arm instead of the leg, it could be a same-day procedure. That is up to the doctor.

Stroke and Heparin?

A scan is performed before medication is given to find out if there is a clot or if there is bleeding present. There are also other physical signs if a patient is having a bleed. READ MORE
A scan is performed before medication is given to find out if there is a clot or if there is bleeding present. There are also other physical signs if a patient is having a bleed.

Does covid-19 infection have long-term effects on your heart?

Covid-19 can have long-term effects on the heart muscle, as well as causing blood clots in the vessels. Inflammation of the layers of the heart muscle are not uncommon complications READ MORE
Covid-19 can have long-term effects on the heart muscle, as well as causing blood clots in the vessels. Inflammation of the layers of the heart muscle are not uncommon complications of this virus. This can lead to long term heart failure. Heart attacks can occur from clotting problems. Underlying heart problems can predispose to these conditions. Get vaccinated!!

Permanent heartburn?

I don't know where you are, or what kind of medical care you are able to get,, but you certainly need another GI workup. Instead of trial and error with different medications, READ MORE
I don't know where you are, or what kind of medical care you are able to get,, but you certainly need another GI workup. Instead of trial and error with different medications, you need a better diagnosis. As well, I don't know what your diet consists of. The first thing I would do is modify the diet. Start with eliminating any spicy, or fried food if possible. Also, if you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. Since you have already stopped some foods, you know they were not the offenders. You might try a gluten free diet for awhile if feasible. I would hope you could get a GI series done, even if an endoscopy is not obtainable. At least the X-rays might show something. Also an abdominal CT or MRI might be of help. What you really need is quality medical care, in order to make a diagnosis. Try to get to a place where you can find the care that you require.

Blood pressure is high?

You need to check your pressure at different times of the day for several days to accurately see what it is. Then go to your doctor with the readings.

Rising heart rate?

Sounds like you may have a syndrome called POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. This is usually benign and self limiting. If there are no other symptoms, then nothing READ MORE
Sounds like you may have a syndrome called POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. This is usually benign and self limiting. If there are no other symptoms, then nothing needs to be done. If you have dizziness or anxiety, a low dose beta blocker drug may help. You can also undergo a tilt table test for more answers. Bottom line is, if you're worried and this continues, you need to see a doctor for evaluation.

Stroke survivor?

As I’m sure you know, a stroke means that a part of the brain doesn’t function anymore due to lack of blood flow. You may never recover feeling.

Chest and back pain?

Sorry you're still having symptoms, however, you don't say if they are constant, or vary with breathing, or position. You certainly need a chest X-ray, if you haven't had one. READ MORE
Sorry you're still having symptoms, however, you don't say if they are constant, or vary with breathing, or position. You certainly need a chest X-ray, if you haven't had one. You also need an EKG, and a good physical exam. I don't know if you have any significant medical history, but any chest discomfort that doesn't improve within a few days is of concern. Please see a physician who can do a complete exam.

Heart beating irregularly?

It sounds like the doctor diagnosed Mitral valve prolapse, which is a "floppy" valve. It can cause several annoying problems, one being irregular and fast heart beats. It can also READ MORE
It sounds like the doctor diagnosed Mitral valve prolapse, which is a "floppy" valve. It can cause several annoying problems, one being irregular and fast heart beats. It can also be associated with anxiety. There are medications to treat this condition. They lessen the problems, but don't cure the defect. You should talk to your doctor about starting a Beta Blocker, and stopping the Zoloft.

Venlafaxine/effexor side effect?

That is a large dose of the drug to start with. It can cause your symptoms. You should call your doctor right away and report the side effects. They can be dangerous.

Angiogram after stress test?

Unfortunately, it does not mean his condition is not serious. It does mean that others may be more urgent conditions.

How to treat this issue?

Since you only have had the symptoms for three days, it's unlikely that this is anything more than anxiety. However, you should get a good medical exam, with an EKG, if symptoms READ MORE
Since you only have had the symptoms for three days, it's unlikely that this is anything more than anxiety. However, you should get a good medical exam, with an EKG, if symptoms continue.

Stabbing chest pain?

I don't know how you were diagnosed, but the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen should have helped. You don't say whether the pain changes with changes in position, or with deep READ MORE
I don't know how you were diagnosed, but the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen should have helped. You don't say whether the pain changes with changes in position, or with deep breathing. You could have pericarditis, which is an inflammation of the pericardium, the outer layer of the heart. The most common cause is a virus. However, colchicine, a drug used for gout, is also used to treat pericarditis. You will need a prescription for the drug, so seeing a physician is absolutely necessary. An EKG can also be done, which may show pericarditis. Even if there are no EKG changes, colchicine may be more helpful than ibuprofen.