expert type icon EXPERT

Larry Altschul

Cardiologist

Dr. Larry Altschul is a top Cardiologist in West Islip, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Larry Altschul is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Larry Altschul is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Larry Altschul is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In West Islip, New York, Dr. Larry Altschul is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Larry Altschul
  • West Islip, New York
  • State University of New York School of Medicine at Buffalo
  • Accepting new patients

How long does a pacemaker with defibrillator batteries last?

Generally, 5-7 years, but there is variability. Some last less time and some longer.

I have bad stomach acid problems after second COVID vaccine Pfizer?

First of all, these symptoms are not due to a cardiac problem, so an infectious disease expert would be the best one to direct your question. Having said that, as a physician, READ MORE
First of all, these symptoms are not due to a cardiac problem, so an infectious disease expert would be the best one to direct your question. Having said that, as a physician, I can give you a general answer and say that the vaccines have never been linked to any long-term problems and any side effects would be short lived and gone, generally within days. If your symptoms persist, you should see your primary care doctor or a GI specialist for testing to see if anything is going on in your stomach.


What are the treatment options for viral myocarditis?

Unfortunately, there aren't many treatment options for viral myocarditis. Management is generally directed toward maintaining good heart function (with certain medications) and READ MORE
Unfortunately, there aren't many treatment options for viral myocarditis. Management is generally directed toward maintaining good heart function (with certain medications) and reducing inflammation. Having said that, if the virus is identified early in the course, there may be some antiviral medications that could help. The seriousness of viral myocarditis is very variable. Most get better quickly (even without treatment), but there are a few that will progress to heart failure and require special interventions. Luckily, this is less common.

Is a carotid doppler ultrasound safe?

Yes. It is 100% safe. A carotid doppler involves imaging using sound waves, which is completely harmless.

How many hours does open heart surgery take?

There is tremendous variability and duration depending on the type of surgery (bypass, or valve replacement or combination of the two, etc.), as well as the age of the patient, READ MORE
There is tremendous variability and duration depending on the type of surgery (bypass, or valve replacement or combination of the two, etc.), as well as the age of the patient, additional medical problems, and finally, surgeon to surgeon variability. However, if I had to give a number, I would say approximately 4 hours. 

Does stress cause irregular heartbeat?

The simple answer is yes. Stress increases catecholamines like adrenaline (stress hormones), which can cause palpitations from irregular heart beats in some people. 

How do you manage chest pain/panic attacks while flying?

Assuming the chest pain is truly from a panic attack and not underlying cardiac disease, the easy answer is a mild sedative (i.e., Xanax) or a glass of wine before flying. The READ MORE
Assuming the chest pain is truly from a panic attack and not underlying cardiac disease, the easy answer is a mild sedative (i.e., Xanax) or a glass of wine before flying. The longer answer is regular therapy with a licensed therapist that can help you work through your anxiety. 

Can fasting reverse atherosclerosis?

No, it doesn't. However, an extremely low LDL ("bad cholesterol") can reduce atherosclerosis in 20% of the people who pursue this.The remaining 80% would have reduced progression READ MORE
No, it doesn't. However, an extremely low LDL ("bad cholesterol") can reduce atherosclerosis in 20% of the people who pursue this.The remaining 80% would have reduced progression (of course, assuming all other factors and variable are stable).

What diet should you have if you have a bad heart?

There are different diets for different problems. Your doctor would need to know what your heart condition is before advising on a specific diet. 

How do you fix a leaky heart valve without surgery?

That depends on which valve. The leaky Aortic Valve can be 'replaced' by placing a (collapsed) valve on a catheter tip and advancing it (through a leg artery) up to the heart where READ MORE
That depends on which valve. The leaky Aortic Valve can be 'replaced' by placing a (collapsed) valve on a catheter tip and advancing it (through a leg artery) up to the heart where it is expanded (within the old valve by way of a balloon). In the case of a leaky Mitral Valve, once again a catheter is advanced through the leg to the correct spot. However, this time it carries up little clips that are correctly positioned to "pinch" together the area of the valve that was leaking because it didn't close properly.

What are the warning signs of a myocardial infarction?

The symptoms of an MI (Myocardial Infarction, AKA heart attack) can be variable but most commonly include chest pain described as pressure-like not infrequently radiating to left READ MORE
The symptoms of an MI (Myocardial Infarction, AKA heart attack) can be variable but most commonly include chest pain described as pressure-like not infrequently radiating to left arm, neck, back or jaw. Symptoms may also include or be limited to sudden shortness of breath, sudden sweats, nausea, vomiting or less frequently dizziness or abdominal pain. As you can see, there is considerable variability which is why a sudden onset of any of these symptoms should immediately be checked out via ambulance trip to an emergency room. It also should be understood that some people have minimal or no symptoms with a heart attack.

How does aspirin help your heart?

If you have blockages, stents or bypass grafts, it reduces the chance of blood clotting in the arteries. That is the mechanism of heart attacks when blood clots on top of atherosclerotic READ MORE
If you have blockages, stents or bypass grafts, it reduces the chance of blood clotting in the arteries. That is the mechanism of heart attacks when blood clots on top of atherosclerotic plaques (blockages).

Can you live a long life after a stroke?

Yes, of course. As long as you eat healthy, keep your blood pressure and cholesterol low, and engage in regular aerobic activity.

Can heat make your heart race?

Yes, it could. Heat will cause you to dilate your blood vessels in your skin in an attempt to lose the excess heat (hence the "flushed" look). Dilation of blood vessels, along READ MORE
Yes, it could. Heat will cause you to dilate your blood vessels in your skin in an attempt to lose the excess heat (hence the "flushed" look). Dilation of blood vessels, along with excess sweating, can make your blood pressure fall. Your heart will then speed up in order to compensate.

What causes an arrhythmia of the heart?

There is no one answer. "Arrhythmia" is a generic term used to apply to a multitude of electrical situations, many of which are benign, but some are more serious. One would need READ MORE
There is no one answer. "Arrhythmia" is a generic term used to apply to a multitude of electrical situations, many of which are benign, but some are more serious. One would need to know what type of arrhythmia you have to answer your question, and even then, there many be several different possible explanations specific to you and your medical history.

Can myocarditis cause a heart attack?

Not in the true definition of heart attack (ruptured atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery), however, myocarditis can cause damage and weakening of the heart muscle (similar READ MORE
Not in the true definition of heart attack (ruptured atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery), however, myocarditis can cause damage and weakening of the heart muscle (similar to what a heart can do) due to inflammation and subsequent death of heart muscle.

Are heart conditions genetically passed on?

Some heart conditions are directly inherited while others are influenced by one's life style (i.e., smoking, diet, exercise, stress, etc.). And still others are a combination. READ MORE
Some heart conditions are directly inherited while others are influenced by one's life style (i.e., smoking, diet, exercise, stress, etc.). And still others are a combination. In other words, there may be genetic factors that make you MORE susceptible to your lifestyle or environmental factors or diet. Your question is too general to give a single answer. It would be more meaningful if you were to inquire about a specific diagnosis or medical problem.

What cause the heart to skip a beat?

First of all, you need to see a cardiologist to set up a heart monitor. There are many different types of arrhythmias that can result in the sensation of "skipped beats" and it READ MORE
First of all, you need to see a cardiologist to set up a heart monitor. There are many different types of arrhythmias that can result in the sensation of "skipped beats" and it is important to see what they. Fortunately, most of them are benign and have multiple potential minor causes ranging from stress, dehydration, alcohol, caffeine to gastric reflux among many other things. Yet a small percentage are from more serious causes that can be tested for after the type of rhythm abnormality is known.

What will happen at my bypass surgery consultation?

Everyone is different and bedside manners vary. Having said that, it is likely your surgeon will describe the risks of the procedure, how long the surgery should take, how long READ MORE
Everyone is different and bedside manners vary. Having said that, it is likely your surgeon will describe the risks of the procedure, how long the surgery should take, how long you will likely remain in the hospital, what your recovery and rehabilitation will be like, when you will be allowed to drive again and when you can return to work. If he does not provide this information, then ask him these questions directly.