Alan K. Tannenbaum, MD

Cardiologist | Interventional Cardiology

4/5(12)

18 Centre Drive Suite 205 Monroe Township New Jersey, 08831 Show map

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4/5

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About

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.

Education and Training

Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara medical degree 1973

Board Certification

American Board of Internal Medicine- Internal Medicine

Cardiovascular Diseases

Provider Details

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Alan K. Tannenbaum, MD

Alan K. Tannenbaum, MD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Heart condition?
I'm not sure what you're referring to as a heart condition. There are many types of heart problems. Hot tea is a safe drink. Caffeine free is better. READ MORE
Propranolol concerns?
Propranolol has been used for years in patients with heart disease with excellent results. It's a safe drug. The bottom line is that you should not have any problems taking this medication. However, this medication taken with Librium can cause some dizziness due to low blood pressure. The dose of propranolol may have to be reduced if this happens. You also need to stay well hydrated in order to prevent a drop in blood pressure. You should also stay away from alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine, to avoid blood pressure and heart rate changes. READ MORE
Can you tell if you have heart fibrillation by taking your pulse?
Sometimes you can feel an irregular pulse. It doesn't mean it's fibrillation. There are many types of abnormal rhythms. Take your pulse from under your jaw, it's more consistent with the actual heart beat. If it's irregular and you are worried or symptomatic, go to the doctor for an EKG. READ MORE
Side effect after vaccine?
This sounds more like anxiety than anything else. Myocarditis presents with chest pain, shortness of breath, fever,chills, dizziness. Too much misinformation out there. Severe reactions to the vaccine are rare. You can get what seems like a viral syndrome plus tenderness in the arm, which lasts a few days, however, this is self limiting. The reactions that happen are not from the vaccine itself, but from the additive polyethylene glycol which makes the vaccine more stable. This chemical is put into many drugs for the same reason. It can occasionally cause a reaction. Anyway, your symptoms should disappear . If you are still worried after a week, go to your doctor and ask for an EKG. READ MORE
How to help suffering from hypertension and tachycardia?
You should have less than 2g per day. READ MORE
High pulse?
Having a pulse of 110 while exercising is not abnormal. And a resting rate of between 75 and 93 is also not abnormal. You don't have any underlying conditions, so there is nothing to worry about. The more you continue to exercise, the better your heart rate will be.Once you condition yourself. Just make sure you are well hydrated before you start exercising. Being dry will increase your heart rate. Take your pulse from your carotid artery instead of from your wrist. The pulse at the wrist does not always receive all the beats, especially when they are fast. Feel under your jaw for the pulse, don't press too tightly. That will correlate with your heart rate. If you're still missing beats, of feel uncomfortable, get an EKG from your doctor. Most important, stay hydrated with water. READ MORE
I need help?
You don't say whether you have any other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue. This could be just a viral infection. If it is, it will last only a few days. Try to stay hydrated by drinking water or tea. Only eat soft foods if you're not vomiting. Get enough rest and call your doctor if you don't improve in a few days. READ MORE
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Expert: Heart and breathing related problems?
It is very unlikely that your symptoms are a result of the vaccine. This sounds more like a panic attack. The pericarditis and myocarditis are rare complications, and do not present with symptoms like yours. Listening to all the false information about the vaccine, can lead to panic symptoms. These vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe Covid disease. If you really want to be checked, you can get an EKG from your primary physician. Vaccines are not new, I'm sure you received the vaccines for all the childhood diseases, before you started school. The Moderna vaccine is a messenger Rna vaccine. There is no virus in it. It tells your immune system to fight off the virus. Allergic reactions are very rare. You should get the second shot to be fully immunized. It takes about 2 weeks after the shot to have full immunity. READ MORE
Slow heart rate plus palpitations?
This could be simple dehydration. I don't know how much water you drank during your shift, but you need to stay hydrated, especially if you're doing manual labor, with water. If you only drink when you're thirsty, then you are already dry. The symptoms of nausea, bloating, and constipation certainly could be caused by dehydration. There are no other signs that indicate an infection or other condition. I don't know if you have any medical conditions, but I think you need water. READ MORE
Ascending aortic aneurysm?
Aortic aneurysms usually grow very slowly, about 0.8cm -.16cm per year. I don't know what the margin of error is, but the measurements are usually very accurate, either by CT scan or echocardiogram. You need to keep your blood pressure under tight control, which I'm sure your doctor has told you. They usually wait until about 5cm before surgery is recommended, unless there are other variables involved. A radiologist, or nuclear cardiologist may be able to answer your question more thoroughly. READ MORE
Pericardial infusion?
The pericardium is the outer most layer covering the heart. It is normal to have a minimal amount of fluid in the pericardium(effusion) When fluid builds up to a serious level, it can cause problems with breathing. Causes of pericardial effusion can be certain drugs, viral or bacterial infections, trauma, or certain malignancies. The most common cause is a viral infection. If there are no symptoms, then nothing need be done with a minimal effusion. It should be watched, usually by echocardiogram, to see if it changes, at which point, medication or drainage can be utilized. READ MORE
Left sided pinch?
This pain is unlikely cardiac in nature. Cardiac pain lasts longer, is not usually sharp, and does not come on intermittently. If this was pulmonary pain, it would probably come on more frequently, usually with deep breathing, and would be more severe. This could be a muscle spasm, which is not uncommon. Your sensation gets worse with deep breathing , but is not brought on by deep breaths. GERD is usually a burning sensation, which lasts longer than a few minutes. If this is not brought on or made worse with exercise, it is probably not serious. However, a good physical exam is warranted if the sensation continues. Another reason for the pain could be intestinal gas. The large intestine goes under the breast bone and can cause sharp pain that feels like chest pain. Lying on your left side sometimes relieves this discomfort. READ MORE
So tired?
This is very unlikely your heart. This sounds like heartburn and anxiety. You need to try something for heartburn, such as TUMS that will give almost immediate relief. You should also try omeprazole 20mg. READ MORE
What is the best test to check for heart problems?
The best way to check for cardiac problems is to have a complete physical examination at least once a year. During that exam an EKG should be performed. This can alert the physician to some cardiac problems. If the exam turns up concerns an echocardiogram or ultrasound can be performed. Another test which can be helpful is an exercise stress test. Using the exam plus these tests can be very helpful in diagnosing common cardiac problems. READ MORE
Does being overweight causes heart problems over time?
Being overweight puts an abnormal strain on the heart muscle. It has to work harder to pump blood to the body and keep up with the body’s needs. After time the heart muscle will tire and because it’s weak it will become large soft and baggy and then you have heart failure. As well along with this cholesterol and triglycerides increase and cause arterial blockages which can cause a heart attack. Also blood pressure can increase and contribute to heart failure as well as stroke. So weight loss can be life saving READ MORE
Heart failure?
The lifespan in heart failure depends on how much heart muscle is damaged. The more damage the worse the outcome. Some patients are candidates for treatments like ICD devices or bi ventricular pumps or heart transplant. However these all come with risks and complications and If there are associated diseases present the patient may not be a candidate for the treatment. The best treatment is prevention. READ MORE
Small hole in heart?
There are several conditions which you could have. You don't say where the hole is located. There are defects in the upper chambers, which are called Atrial Septal defects, and there are several types of these. The defects in the lower chambers are called Ventricular Septal defects, and again there are a few types. There is a type of ASD, called a PFO, a patent foramen ovale, which occurs when the foramen ovale, which usually closes at birth, remains open. The ASD's are usually congenital, but can occur in adulthood. The VSD's could be either congenital or from another cardiac condition. If there is pulmonary hypertension, whatever the cause, treatment is necessary. Closure of the defect may be necessary.You need a good cardiac physical exam and an echo study read by a cardiologist trained in echo. A cardiac catheterization is sometimes necessary. READ MORE
Did I have a heart attack 5 months ago?
Sir, I don't believe you experienced a heart attack, however, it certainly could have been an arrhythmia, which is an abnormal cardiac rhythm. First of all, shoveling snow is a terrible exercise, because most people don't do it correctly, and especially if the snow is wet and heavy, it puts an abnormal strain on the heart. Second, nicotine can cause rapid heart rates, as can adderall. Third, I don't know if you engage in regular physical exercise or not, but not being in shape can also cause strain on the heart. It's more common to have something like atrial fibrillation, or another type of rapid rhythm, than to have an actual heart attack. It's true that people have heart attacks while shoveling snow, and often suffer sudden cardiac arrest, however, these people usually have prior risk factors. You don't say whether you have any risk factors. You should definitely have a complete cardiac work-up to determine what actually happened. I think you were given a warning this time, and please pay attention to what happened. If this was an arrhythmia, more serious complications could follow, like heart attack or stroke. READ MORE
Covid vaccine?
This is most likely not a vaccine-related event. However, in rare instances, an allergic type reaction may occur. You didn't say whether you had a covid infection in the past. There is a syndrome, especially in women who have had the infection, of rapid heart rate, especially with changes in position. It's called POTS, which is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. It is self limited, but may require some treatment. There are many other reasons why you could have this problem. Your cardiologist will be able to help you. READ MORE
Heart attack or paranoia?
Dimitri, it is very unlikely that this is heart related. Most people don't realize that the large intestine runs under the left breast. When you get gas pains, which are sharp, they can be felt in the chest area. They can even be felt higher up as well. The soda probably caused the gas pains. When this happens, you should lie down on your left side; this will cause the gas to pass through the bowel. Also, taking something like Tums or milk of magnesia can help. READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Areas of expertise and specialization

Cardiovascular Diseases

Faculty Titles & Positions

Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey -

Awards

Who's Who Marquette
Patients' Choice Award 2018
On-Time Doctor Award 2018
Compassionate Doctor Recognition 2018

Fellowships

St. Francis Hospital Heart Center cardiovascular disease 1978
Long Island Jewish Medical Center 1981

Alan K. Tannenbaum, MD's Practice location

18 Centre Drive Suite 205 -
Monroe Township, New Jersey 08831

Get Direction

New patients: 609-395-7600

www.monroecardiologyllc.com

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

18 Centre Dr -
Monroe Township, NJ 08831

Get Direction

New patients: 609-395-7600

10 PLUM STREET -
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

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New patients: 732-249-4410

Fax: 732-249-1208

Alan K. Tannenbaum, MD's reviews

(12)

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Patient Experience with Dr. Tannenbaum

4.0

Based on 12 reviews

Alan K. Tannenbaum, MD has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 12 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Cardiologist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Media Releases

News Releases

Alan K. Tannenbaum, MD, a Cardiologist in Private Practice

January 11, 2022 Karen Johnson Edit

Get to know Cardiologist Dr. Alan K. Tannenbaum, who serves patients in Monroe Township, New Jersey.

A devoted cardiologist, Dr. Tannenbaum sees patients at his private practice in Monroe Township, New Jersey.

With a broad educational background, he graduated with his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in 1973, and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the St. Francis Medical Center in 1975 He completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at the St. Francis Hospital Heart Center in 1978, followed by an additional fellowship at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in 1981. Finally, he was chief medical resident at Morristown Memorial Hospital with the Atlantic Health System in 1985.

Active in academia, Dr. Tannenbaum served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey from 1987 -2010. He was the first cardiologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to implant a coronary stent. He was also the first cardiologist in New Jersey to perform a balloon Pericardial Window procedure to treat cardiac tamponade.

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of the heart, as well as some parts of the circulatory system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Cardiologists are doctors who diagnose, assess, and treat patients with diseases and defects of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system).

Among his most notable achievements, Dr. Tannenbaum has been the recipient of the Patients’ Choice Award (2018), On-Time Doctor Award (2018), and Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2018).