Dr. Linda Tao

Cardiology

New York, NY

36 years experience female

Get 24/7 access to virtual visits

Locations

Office

New York, NY

Address

254 Canal Street, Suite 5003, New York, NY, US

My office hours

Wednesday: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Phone

Insurances accepted

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

Cigna

Oxford Health Plans

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

Medicare

Health First Health Plan, Inc

UnitedHealthcare

About

Bio

I am trained as an interventional and general cardiologist and am an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center who has been in private practice for more than twenty years. I subsequently completed additional Advanced Fellowship training in Anti Aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine, and have since focused on becoming a health solution designer in preventative health and chronic illness management. My commitment is to contribute to developing cutting edge technology to optimize the body's innate ability to heal as a sustainable principle in the journey towards optimal health and productive longevity.

Specialties
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.

Cardiology

Anti-Aging Medicine

Integrative Medicine

Internal Medicine

Preventive Medicine

Languages spoken

Mandarin

Doctor Q&A

134 Answers

46 Agrees

A 36-year-old male asked:

Please share a tip on some do's and don'ts with regard to fish oil.

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Ignore: Get the best quality you can since the fish oil can have impurities and also get oxidised.

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

Does one source hair skin and nails work?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Good diet and rest: i think you mean a vitamin for hair skin and nails. These will include B vitamins, vitamin C and some minerals eg zinc. They can help toward restorin... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 17-year-old male asked:

How can we prevent xerophthalmia and what are the health teachings to avoid these disease?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Xerophthalmia: Most serious when occurring in children related to severe Vitamin A deficiency most commonly in developing countries. For prevention, good nutrition i... Read More

3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old female asked:

Been having dull pain back right side neck near skull. now causes pain in ear...?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

See doctor: you should see an ENT (ear nose throat) specialist to be sure there is nothing seriously wrong. Good luck to you!

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

My tsh with reflex was 0.011 - does this mean i need more synthroid (thyroxine) or less. i had my gland removed several years ago. i currently take 112 mcg synthr?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Synthroid (thyroxine) dosage: The low TSH usually means that you need less thyroid supplementation. The caveat is that your doctor may be suppressing your TSH with higher synthroid... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Munshower

Dr. Liesa Harte

Dr. John Munshower and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 19-year-old female asked:

Heart palpitations and diahhrea. i have a heart murmur but i seen the heart doc not to long ago and everything was ok. i did have low potassium level.

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Restore potassium: Your potassium must be restored to normal before anything else. Additionally your RBC magnesium level needs to be checked and also followed as the mag... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ivelisse Rivera-Godreau

Dr. Ivelisse Rivera-Godreau agrees1 doctor agrees

A 28-year-old female asked:

In a uc flare. on rowasa (mesalamine) enema and hc supp. now have muscle weakness and twitching in legs. is this from the uc flare up?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Check blood: between the UC flare and the enema and suppository u may have an imbalance of your blood electrolytes eg potassium, calcium, magnesium. This can resu... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

It is a bout a week that i have noticed the right side of my stomach is standing out (or swollen). i have no pain or any other symptoms. female and 33?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

? Hernia: based on your description you might have a hernia which is a bulging due to weekend abdominal muscle fibers. This is most common in people who have ha... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 53-year-old male asked:

I am 53 yo male i have constipation often, i eat well fiber, salads, greens etc could allopurinol or lisinopril be causing this ?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Possibly: all medications can affect bowel movements. If your constipation only started after the medications it is even more likely. You can try some over the ... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 17-year-old female asked:

Im on the pill and i take it every night at 10pm. is it okay if i have unprotected sex at 8pm since i didnt take my pill at 10pm yet.

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Yes: its ok as long as you don't miss any of the daily doses.

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

Moving around pain near lower right abdomen ; moving around sometimes ; tightness when moving around ; worsens a bit when laying down?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

See a doctor: you need to see a doctor. Any pain in the lower right side that is moving around can be a sign of appendicitis which can become dangerous. Best wishes... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

Hello doctor, i want to lose weight from my face....my face is heavy....how can i do so?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Check with doctor: I would advise you to see your doctor and have a medical check up as there are some endocrinologic (glandular) conditions that can make you look like ... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Munshower

Dr. John Munshower agrees1 doctor agrees

A 18-year-old female asked:

I just went to a blood drive today and i was unable to donate because they told me i have an irregular pulse. i have never been told that before. ?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Get it checked out. : It is not unusual for people to have a somewhat irregular pulse sometimes. However there are different types of "irregularity" and you should have it ... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 41-year-old female asked:

Low grade fever off & on for a year always w pain on stomach - left side. negative tests - some reflux. can reflux cause the fever? any other ideas?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Need further work up: reflux itself should not cause fever. Common causes of unexplained fever include unusual infections eg parasites, an abscess somewhere, a tumor somewh... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 55-year-old female asked:

My wife had acute angle glaucoma and has done lazar treatment. is there any other kind of care she should take? thanks

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Use all eye drops: please be sure you use all the eye drops as prescribed. General precautions include not getting water in the eye (be careful with shower), don't rub t... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 31-year-old male asked:

Been feeling lightheaded and dizzy especially when sitting and standing. legs are cramping sore no reason. is it heart , neurological or virus?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Dehydration: you sound like you might be somewhat dehydrated. This can be due to a virus or any type of infection. Blood loss or excess heat or exercise can also ... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

Can you eat grapefruit or grapefruit juice when you're taking pravastatin 20mg?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Grapefruit and stati: Generally you should significantly restrict your intake of grapefruit and its juice while taking statins because they reduce the breakdown of the drug... Read More

3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 57-year-old female asked:

Sore throat for 7 weeks. mild. no cough. no trouble swallowing. no enlarged lymph nodes. had a head cold with sinus problem & took zpac that did not change sore throat. not a smoker. never a smoker. drink wine. age 57. better in the morning. took

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

See ENT: if after all this time the sore throat has not resolved it would be prudent to see a ear nose and throat specialist. A common etiology of prolonged so... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 49-year-old female asked:

Was diagnosed with diastolic dysfunction was put on 25mg cozzar pill. do i take it even if my blood pressure is normal. heart disease bad in family.

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Reasonable to take: Diastolic HF refers to stiffness in the heart muscle where the heart muscle doesn't relax fully after each contraction. Losartan is in a class of me... Read More

1.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

I'm 4 days in my period (dry period) and when i wiped today there was a light brown discharge. have been on the pill for almost a year. is it normal?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Not unusual: It could just be dried old blood and should clear in the next day or so. However if it persists or if there is a bad odor or abdominal pain you should... Read More

1.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 37-year-old female asked:

What causes a 5 second squeezing pain directly between breasts?no other symptoms.worry about cardiac issue.pcp says heartis ok.seek out cardiologist?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Check esophagus also: Worrisome heart attack related pain most commonly is exacerbated by activity and relieved by rest. Another common cardiac etiology is mitral valve pro... Read More

4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old female asked:

Bubbling sensation when i lay down in my back and chest, i have a cough and a little bit of a cold.i hope its not an air leak! please help?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Breathlessness: Your symptoms sound concerning - especially with the breathlessness, chest pain and that sensation of bubbling. You should get checked out by a physic... Read More

4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A male asked:

Regularly making a tattoo design with pen cause any harm?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Be ware infection : if it is done professionally with well sterilized equipment it should be ok from an infection standpoint. However not sure of the potential toxicities... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old female asked:

Nitroglycerin pro and cons? my heart goes real fast & drops some time real fast.

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Powerful medicine: it delivers a very powerful drug in essentially a bolus form and in some people can result in fast heart rates and low blood pressure. It is generally... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old male asked:

I felt little dizzied like passing out during my stress echo test. however all my results came normal and o2 saturation were 98-99. is that normal?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Probably OK: many people are a little anxious doing a stress echo test. Between the anxiety and the exercise some people actually hyperventilate a little during th... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

If blood test comes out neg too and still no pd...wat does tht mean?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

See your OB/GY: our menses and periods can be irregular or delayed for many reasons. Please see your OB/GYN and he or she can do a thorough check up.

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 31-year-old male asked:

Is eat sugar good for the body 31 year old male ?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Generally not: eating sugar is generally not good for people of all ages. Sugar tends to make us gain weight, contribute to inflammation and can feed cancers.

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old female asked:

I just got my wisdom teeth out and was prescribed percocet but i took 2 ibuprofen instead, can i still take the percocet if i am still in pain?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Should be ok : they are different medications. The ibuprofen can increase bleeding - which is probably why you were given Percocet instead. Percocet contains acetam... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old male asked:

I have a really painful hemorroid it's very firm if i touch it. how could i relieve the pain or what should i do with it?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Sitz baths: you can first try some sits baths as well as well as some preparation H. Hemorrhoids usually occur if you are sitting on the toilet seat for too long ... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

My heart structurally fine on echo, mra, ecg, mri, holter monitors. is it unlikely my frequent pvcs will turn into ventricular tachycardia/death?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Unlikely: With a normal heart based on all the studies you have had, PVCs are usually benign and not like to precipitate ventricular tachycardia. The caveat is ... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 53-year-old male asked:

How do i care my health because of over weigh ?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Lifestyle: Please seek the help and advice of a nutritionist. Also getting enough sleep as well as stress reduction is also very important. You might also consid... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old female asked:

My l4-l5 and s1 are bulging. the pain radiates down my legs and is brutal. i now stand crooked due to it. what can i do to help without using narcotic?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Physical Therapy: You should seek the help of a good physical therapist or chiropractor. Warm baths can also help since this can help to relieve any superimposed muscle... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Munshower

Dr. Evan Altman

Dr. Natalie Hodge

Dr. John Munshower and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 37-year-old male asked:

When i turn my head from side to side or in a downward manner i feel a vibration in my right ear. it's kind of like a pulse that repeats itself rapidly. i am unsure as to what this might be and would greatly appreciate some feedback?if you need any other

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

ENT evaluation: Although this may simply be your hearing your own carotid arteries which are located near the ear, it is concerning enough that you should probably se... Read More

3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old male asked:

What are some signs that you are over exercising and under exercising?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Effort not exhaustio: For most people, a good exercise level that gives conditioning benefits are when you are breathing heavier but where you can still comfortably carry o... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Rex Mahnensmith

Dr. Rex Mahnensmith agrees1 doctor agrees

A 22-year-old female asked:

I think i swallowed stapler pin..having some throat discomfort n it was cold i ate some ice so m guessing maybe it's d reason.what r d other symptoms?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Go see ENT: You need to go get your throat looked at by an ear nose and throat professional. Although there is a possibility that the pain will pass out in the st... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

I have flat dark red spots under my chin. they are in a cluster. they arent itchy but have been here for two days. what are they?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

May be shingles : Difficult to say with that description but if in a cluster it could be the early signs of shingles. Shingles typically occurs in a cluster, may be itc... Read More

3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old male asked:

If i wanted to enhance my shirt term memory problem, is that good to have omega 3 supplement?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Reduce stress: Short-term memory issues and young people often because of working and operating in a high stress environment. Getting enough sleep as well as stress ... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 43-year-old female asked:

Large central disc extrusion extending superiorly along posterior of c3 measures 6mm ap 9mm transverse and 15 craniocaudal. serious?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Can be: Any type of cervical spine i.e. neck disc issues can potentially be serious. This is a vulnerable area of the body and can have serious consequences.p... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old member asked:

I have tight bulging veins in my left arm that go away when i raise my arm up. but they also hurt and come with sometimes chest pain ?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

See your doctor: you need to get a check up because it sounds like you might have something that is causing your veins to bulge, and you may need some special imaging.... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 41-year-old male asked:

What are co q10 levels ?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

CoQ10 is a cofactor: coQ10 is a very important cofactor found in the energy producing machinery in all our cells. This cofactor can be depleted when taking certain medicat... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Roy Arnold

Dr. Roy Arnold agrees1 doctor agrees

A 17-year-old female asked:

Harder to breathe and swallow? i can't tell if my chest is tightened or not, it almost feels like my trachea and esophagus are narrow..

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

See your doctor: concerned w your severe stomach pains and ur taking ibuprofen as well as difficulty with sleep. Your current symptoms may also be some anxiety and fa... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A female asked:

I seem to be finding thick mucus like strips in my stools that range from and white to yellowish! could this be worms? i have taken worm tablets

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

See GI specialist: You need to get a thorough evaluation from a gastrointestinal specialist. If they don't find anything I would recommend you also look for a Functional... Read More

1.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old male asked:

I take half tab of amlodipine 5mg and atenolol 50mg. and my bp 120/70 - 130/80 . m on strickly diet .is my bp normal should i stop taking tabs.

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

BP medications: Your current readings show adequate control on medications. However you will need to work with your doctor to see if you can discontinue the meds. Ate... Read More

4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler

Dr. John Munshower

Dr. Pamela Pappas

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 6 doctors agree7 doctors agree

A 29-year-old male asked:

Im dizzy but no headaches me ears are ok, no related prob. with heart i dont know where it come from this dizziness?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Keep hydrated!: Dizzines can be multifactorial. Common causes of light headedness or wooziness include low blood pressure due to dehydration (sweating, blood loss) an... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Gabor

Dr. Michael Gabor agrees1 doctor agrees

A 65-year-old female asked:

What are the differences in side effects with amlodipine & nifidipine. ?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Similar side effects: Not uncommon side effects of both medications include mild ankle/leg swelling, some flushing and some experience their heart beating faster. More unus... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Moshe Lewis

Dr. Lois A Freisleben-Cook

Dr. Moshe Lewis and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 20-year-old female asked:

When i.walk my hip keeps shooting pain and my foot goes inward. started after days of driving. tried to reach dr. need help?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Nerve issue : these symptoms can be related to an irritation/ impingement of the nerves in the lower back or in the groin. Especially since your leg is turning inwa... Read More

3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Susan Rhoads

Dr. Roy Arnold

Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 47-year-old female asked:

My friend is 54 and is never sick. she said her chest feels heavy and back hurts and kinda a headache, and fast heart rate, no fever or coughing?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

See her doctor: it sounds like she may have a bit of a cold but with the chest discomfort and fast heart rate she should get checked out. Best of luck to her!

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 40-year-old male asked:

What is vasoconstriction? what is the real cause of it and how to avoid from getting it?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Blood vessel narrowi: Vasoconstriction refers to periodic narrowing of arteries. This is most commonly precipitated by cold weather, dehydration, certain medications, caff... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old male asked:

What kind of problems and symptoms could occur for a vegetarian who doesn't get all the essential amino acids? just curious.

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Malnutrition: amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Without the presence of a complete set of these building blocks you can't make many proteins vital to ... Read More

3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old female asked:

My left jugular vein is very distended when my head is below my heart and neck feels swollen, feel pressure in chest, could this be heart failure?

Dr. Linda Taoanswered

Cardiology 36 years experience

Could be normal: when the head is below your heart the jugular can get distended and the upper body can feel "congested". If you are ok when the had is at chest level ... Read More

1.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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HealthTap member

Mar 30, 2015

Dr. Tao is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1

HealthTap member

Mar 31, 2015

Dr. Tao is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1

HealthTap member

Mar 31, 2015

Dr. Tao is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1

HealthTap member

Your answer was very helpful! Thanks :) thanks my severe anxiety this calmed me down I plan to see a heart doc

HealthTap member

Thank you, your quick reply made me feel good! Thank you so much! The coolness does make it feel better.

HealthTap member

Your answer was very helpful! Thanks :) Thank you so so much for replying so soon and a wonderful answer

Education & Training

Medical/Graduate school

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

Graduated 1986MD

Residency

NYU HOSPITALS CENTER

Awards

Top Cardiologist , First Place, New York - Fall

2014

HealthTap Doctor Mom

Affiliations

American College of Cardiology

American College of Phyiscians

Institute of Functional Medicine

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.

Ask doctors free

Answer emailed

in 24 hours or less