Dr. Joshua Liberman

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Infrequently: At this point in time, there is no guideline-recommended indication for closure. There are currently clinical trials exploring this issue, and patient... Read More

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6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old member asked:

I am 35 and have chest pains that come and go, is it serious?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Probably not: But you should see a doctor anyway. Most causes of chest pain in your age group will be benign.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 51-year-old female asked:

My mom was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. ..fluid around lungs...and conjestive heart failur...how dangerous is that..

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Extremely: That is a description of a patient with critical illness.

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 45-year-old female asked:

Does it indicate a problem if my bp rises upon standing and pulse stays about the same? i just can't get this regulated after stopping bp meds

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

You are normal: Blood pressure should normally rise with standing, as your brain is at a higher level and blood needs to be pumped harder to fight gravity. As long as... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 56-year-old male asked:

Can tricor (fenofibrate) be taken with orange juice?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Yes: There are no interactions for tricor (fenofibrate) and orange juice.

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Calvin Weisberger and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 27-year-old female asked:

Can i take a beta blocker as needed for palpitations? if so, which one is better? metoprolol or bisoprolol?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Yes: If you're taking it just for palpitations, it is reasonable to take it only on an "as needed" basis. And either of those choices is fine; they are rea... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Philip Miller and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 50-year-old male asked:

Can pulmonary fibrosis cause heart trouble?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

It can: Pulmonary fibrosis over time can cause high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) which can lead to strain and even dysfunction of the ... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Rick Koch agrees1 doctor agrees

A 33-year-old male asked:

What does it mean when the cardiologist says that there is pressure on the right side of heart from sleep apnea?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Traffic Jam: When you have sleep apnea, you can develop high blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension). The high blood pressure in the lungs is like a ... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old male asked:

21, seen cardiologist. had ecg, echo, stress ecg, 24holter. pain starts in back goes to center of sternum when excerc. cardi said it wont be my heart?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Not your heart: At your age, and with all those negative tests, it is most likely that your pain is muscular in origin, and not from a heart problem.

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Rick Koch agrees1 doctor agrees

A 52-year-old female asked:

If bp is 104/48 with 5 mg lisiniprol and 117/70 without medication. do i have to even take med after des?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Probably: You may have been prescribed that medication not because your blood pressure was high, but because your heart was weaker than it should be. Lisinopr... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Calvin Weisberger and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 35-year-old member asked:

Is it possible for sphygmomanometers (bp cuffs) to cause damage to arteries or other parts of the circulatory system?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

No....: As long as you use them the correct way, there is no risk of damage. If you were to inflate the cuff and leave it inflated for too long, it could caus... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Rick Koch agrees1 doctor agrees

A 28-year-old female asked:

I've had 2 echos, various ekgs, holster and seen 2 cardiologists both saying i have a normal heart. what other test can i do to check for dang pvcs?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

No other test needed: Pvcs are normal for people to have. There is no other workup needed. If they are extremely symptomatic, consider asking for treatment to suppress them... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. George Mathew and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 22-year-old male asked:

What would make a cardiologist suspect congenital coronary anomaly apart from mild chest pain on exertion after echo, stress ecg, 24h ecg, ecg. 22male?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Nothing else: The last remaining concerning diagnosis in a young person with exertional chest pain is the possibility of a congenital abnormality of the coronary ar... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Kenny Chuu agrees1 doctor agrees

A 23-year-old male asked:

Cardiologist says heart is fine because of ekg/holter/echo/thyroid/adrenal good. constant tachycardia/pacs/palps though. ef 50%. possible error?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Very doubtful: It is extremely doubtful that you have a heart problem with all of that testing coming out normal. To be honest, it is much more likely to be related ... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sudhir Bansal agrees1 doctor agrees

A 23-year-old male asked:

If u had a heart attack would it show up in blood work? wat would it be that would show up

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Blood tests: There are actually several different enzymes and proteins that can be found in the bloodstream after a heart attack. The duration of time since the on... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Victor Bonuel agrees1 doctor agrees

A 42-year-old female asked:

I have long qt syndrome & an etopic beat, i get a lot of chest pain & pressure in my chest. is this a bad sign? my gp won't refer me to cardiologist.

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Not necessarily: Long qt syndromes don't really cause any chest pain or pressure. He may not want to refer you because he doesn't think that the pain is concerning. Lo... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jason Klein agrees1 doctor agrees

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A 44-year-old female asked:

I have very low inr results should i be feeling tired and weak?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

No: There really is no reason why an inr level would cause fatigue.

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 29-year-old female asked:

I have pots. i was feeling anxious and took my bp 98/83 82pulse right after sitting down the immediately took it again 101/72 82 pulse. is that ok?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Absolutely: Minute to minute small fluctuations in blood pressure are normal, especially if you are anxious or in pain or stressed.

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and 4 doctors agree5 doctors agree

A 45-year-old female asked:

What would make a cardiologist choose to use an event monitor for 30 days compared to 24hrs?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Frequency of symptom: If the symptoms you have are not predictably occurring on a daily basis, an longer time period of monitoring would be needed to identify the underlyin... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Calvin Weisberger and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 31-year-old member asked:

Help, i hurt my ribs and i'm having difficulty breathing. can i take any otc meds for the pain?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Absolutely: A combination of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can be beneficial.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jason Klein and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 30-year-old male asked:

I have hiatal hernia/gerd(good diet +nexium 40mg).was cleared by 2 cardiologists(ecg, echo...), but every night i get tight chest/breathing diff.why?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

From the acid: The acid in your stomach is leaking up into your esophagus when you lay flat. This causes pain in your chest. It's not from your heart.

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Donald Alves and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 75-year-old female asked:

Is lipitor (atorvastatin) safe and i heard cardiologists on dr oz show say they never give it to women so would like to know what's with that!

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Completely safe: The medication is extremely safe, and appropriate, for both men and women. It is extremely beneficial for people at high risk for heart attacks or str... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 49-year-old female asked:

Was put on lopressor, (metoprolol tartrate) i have a swollen thyroid, cardiologist didn't really go into detail, was sent with a ecg on, why? language barrier. what next?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Probably nothing: Some people with abnormal thyroid function have abnormal heart rhythms. If your thyroid level is too high, you might have a fast heart rate. Lopressor... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

5 thanks

A 22-year-old male asked:

Have post orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. since 18 get chest pain on exercise. see profile for tests. im 22. should i have ct scan?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Not necessary: Pots syndrome is not associated with heart disease, or any other structural problem with the heart. The best way to evaluate consistent exertional che... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Thomas Namey agrees1 doctor agrees

A 41-year-old male asked:

Is an echocardiogram any help diagnosing ischemic related chest discomfort?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Possibly: Stress tests can incorporate echo imaging, and this will improve the diagnostic capability of the test. Also, if one of the walls of the heart is vi... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Chapman and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 29-year-old male asked:

A week ago i started to feel shortness of breath and my bp 145/83, i have no medical conditions but i'm fasting for 16hrs/day for a month. any ideas?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Possib diet related: When people engage on extreme dietary behaviors, such as fasting, it is possible to develop electrolyte disturbances or other problems that could lead... Read More

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 36-year-old male asked:

Can we give nimodipine with other calcium channel blocker?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Not recommended: It is not usual practice to be on duplicate medications within the same class.

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old female asked:

I've been to the cardiologist 3 times bc of pvcs and he says everyone has them, my eko, ecg, holter are normal. should i still be terrified bc they r s?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Reassurance: There is no need to be terrified. Pvcs are normal. They can be symptomatic, and if so, there are medications that can suppress them. But they don't ne... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. David Brouwer agrees1 doctor agrees

A 24-year-old male asked:

Minor mitral valve leak, according to my cardiologist. psych prescribed 30mg adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) 2x/day. is this safe? i was told the leak was common.

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Safe: Mild leakiness of the mitral valve is indeed common, and should not prevent the use of any other medications.

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 49-year-old female asked:

Going to see my cardiologist today for the first time, due to my ultrasound on my leg. what questions would i be asking? what is he looking for?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

It depends: It depends if the ultrasound was done to evaluate the veins or the arteries. If looking at the veins, it was looking for a "blood clot". Yu would wan... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Bruce J. Stringer agrees1 doctor agrees

A 37-year-old male asked:

Does parkinson patient needs to consult with cardiologist on regular interval?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

No: There is no specific reason that a patient with this diagnosis and no cardiac symptoms needs to see a cardiologist.

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 30-year-old member asked:

How should i become a successful cardiologist?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

It's a process: Obviously, you would need to go through medical school, internal medicine residency, then cardiology fellowship. Find some aspect of the field and dev... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 30-year-old male asked:

Can a holter monitor only be given by a cardiologist or even my primary doctor?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Any doctor: Any doctor can order a holter monitor. It takes special training to interpret the results, however.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old female asked:

My ekg , holter (1900 pvc's) in 48 hours, cardiac us, nuclearmri/ct and stress test are all normal. i get on/off chest pain which radiates to my neck. should i see a cardiologist? family history.

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

No: Given all that testing, there is almost no chance that the pain is cardiac.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old male asked:

I am a diabetic. i took norvasc (amlodipine) for two months. one day, iwoke up withe peripheral neuropathy. there was no gradualonset. can norvasc (amlodipine) bring this on?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Unlikely: It is extremely unlikely to be brought on suddenly by the norvasc (amlodipine). Diabetes is a known cause of neuropathy, and probably the most common ... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ronald Krauser and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 24-year-old female asked:

What could possibly be causing chest pain?i am a smoker and im actually hurtin so bad i don't want to smoke anymore.could it b my gallbladder?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

A lot of things: There are multiple possible causes of chest pain in a young female smoker. Heart problems, blood clots, reflux are just a few. I recommend you see you... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Calvin Weisberger and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 36-year-old male asked:

Please share some do's and dont's for patients with angina and chest pain.

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Exercise: Exercise routinely and consistently at a level that is low enough not to cause chest pain.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 51-year-old male asked:

I am away from home (mt) and am going to run out of my atenolol 25mg about 6 days before i can get my refill. is it safe for me to use my mother's lisinopril 10-12.5 for those 6 days.

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Sure, but: It is safe, but probably not necessary. The dose of atenolol is not high enough to cause withdrawal, and it's not dangerous to have higher blood press... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old female asked:

Should i be worried? i've had a holter monitor, several ekgs and blood tests. my cardiologist is having me try citalopram and seeing how that works.

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

No need for worry: If all those tests are fine, the likely cause of your symptoms is anxiety, and this is what your doctor is treating.

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 49-year-old female asked:

Why would my doctor refer me to a cardiologist? is there something going on with my heart?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Talk is best: You really should ask your doctor why he/she has recommended this. The best patient outcomes happen when the doctor and the patient have a conversatio... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old male asked:

With congestive heart failure or coronary ischemia would the oxygen saturation shown on the monitor at hospitals drop?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Possibly: With severe or "decompensated" congestive heart failure, the oxygen saturation is frequently low due to the pint of water in the lungs. As this condit... Read More

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old member asked:

Tachycardia is an early sign of low cardiac output that occurs because of what?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Not necessarily: Tachycardia can happen for dozens if not hundreds of reasons, not necessarily just from low cardiac output. In fact, that may be the least likely caus... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

My dr referred me to a cardiologist for a high resting hr, blood, ecg are normal, no anxiety or coffee, heart seems fine, what else could be wrong?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Probably nothing: Most cases of patients with high resting heart rates are nothing at all, and related to deconditioning or being "out of shape". Only very rarely is... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 74-year-old female asked:

I have had for 6 months a "band headache"/vice on my head. can stress do this? iam on lisinopril 5 mg and hydrochlorothazide 12.5mg.tx

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Absolutely: Stress can absolutely cause headaches, as can uncontrolled high blood pressure. You should buy a home BP monitor and track your blood pressure to make... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jason Klein agrees1 doctor agrees

A 37-year-old female asked:

Does vtach feel different than sinus tachycardia?

Internal Medicine - Cardiology 23 years experience

Almost definitely: Ventricular tachycardia is a potentially fatal heart rhythm. Most people feel lightheaded and either pass out or come close. Sinus tachycardia is co... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago