About
Bio
I finished medical School at Buenos Aires National University (1973),and trained in Cardiology in Argentina and completed Fellowships at University of California, San Francisco (Echocardiography, 1977) and Loma Linda University (Invasive Cardiology, 1978-79).
I moved to New Orleans, LA in 1979 to teach and practice at Louisiana State University and I have been in Private Practice since 1982.
I am Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases and Interventional Cardiology.
I love to do medical seminars for the community as I believe that education in matters of medicine leads to healthier lifestyles that in turn, improve people's health and quality of life.
I do photography as a serious hobby and I have more than 30 of my pictures published in medical journals (ie: NEJM )
SpecialtiesDoctors 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.
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
Licenses
United States: California, Louisiana
Doctor Q&A
348 Answers
137 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Why one med?: If you have two unrelated problems, you may need to different kind of treatment/ medicines.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Fatty/fried food : Eat healthy, with more servings of fruits and vegetables.
Also remember that food consumed accounts only for one third of cholesterol levels as the o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
NORMAL: Heart rate increase with activities and gets lower with rest. Are you having any symptoms?
If you are not: you should not be taking your pulse and cr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Follow up with MD: Cxr was used to diagnose both the hilar enlargement and cardiomegaly.
You may need further work up with an echo-cardiogram (for cardiomegaly) and may... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
No: Clonidine is a very powerful hbp medicine that is not used to treat seizures. In very extreme circumstances, Clonidine overdose may cause symptoms.
... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Yes: But much less than other risk factors as family history, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
911?: If you have not had a work up for heart pain and "massive" trouble breathing, call 911 or go to er.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
You need to quit!!!: It means that you need to quit. If you do not have problems now (and that is hard to tell without at least a history and physical) you are sure to dev... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Need for diuretic?: Hctz (hydrochlorothiazide) is a better blood pressure medication than a strong diuretic. Side effects are usually minor.
Other diuretics are stronger... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Do you need it?: Fish oil comes in many preparations over the counter and a stronger one by prescription.
It may help the heart by improving lipid profile but mainly ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Anxiety?: Heart rate can go a few beats up after eating and more markedly after exercise (worse if you are physically unfit) but the main question is how do you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Do not take your BP: If you have an irregular beat, the BP machines may not be accurate. Also, measuring BP too often when it is not needed will create more anxiety and th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Be reassured: Sometimes it is more important to know where the pain is not coming from. In your case, they told you it is not the heart and that should be reassurin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Why measure?: If you are a healthy 37 yo, you probably have better things to do than measure hr and bp.
Both your measurements are normal. Lower hr may also mean a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Med/decongest/nsaids: If you have had a cough for a week and you are taking otc anti cough/ decongestants, and/ or non steroidals (alev, motrin, etc), that may be enough to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
"Wiring of the heart: Two types of second degree AV Block : Type I is mostly benign, called Wenckeback for the person who described it, seldom requiring any treatment excep... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
No: Be sure you do not have thyroid disease, drink only limited amounts of alcohol or none at all and exercise regularly. If you are overweight: loose wei... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
No: Bananas are high in potassium and may be good for cramping (if they are related to low potassium) they may have a very minimal and indirect effect in ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 67-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Why 25 mg?: Maximun dose of Zetia (ezetimibe) is (usually) 10 mg and although it improves cholesterol profile , it has not been proven to diminished amount of hea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Do you have HBP?: Most hypertension is essential and a few % is secondary.
More important is to know if you have hbp as measuring it at home or in the mall may not be ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
NO: Omega 3 is an antioxidant that may be useful in preventing coronary artery disease but does not improve anxiety. This is a serious problem that requir... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Yes: Yes, you may take any antibiotics prescribed by MDs
Occasionally, some MVP patients (not all) may require antibiotic prophylaxis with dental, GI or GU... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Nothing: If seven different doctors told you you do not have angina, you don't.
If I were you, age 31, I would quit "doctor shopping" as it is dangerous and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
NORMAL: Absolutely normal. They could be related to caffeine, stimulants, decongestants or nothing at all. The Holter does not need any follow up.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
NO: The test is NORMAL. Move on and don't worry.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Nothing much: Avoid caffeine and stimulants (decongestants, drugs, some medicines) and diminish stress.
Some exercise and weight loss will help.
Usually PACs are m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Very safe: cardiac conduction system is usually not altered by sedatives/ anti anxiety meds
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Adjust meds: You need to contact your cardiologist or electrophysiologist as your medications may need to be adjusted
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Short circuit: Pre excitattion is a short circuit in the normal electricity of the heart.
Premature beats are extra beats in either atria or ventricles and are Not ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Not likely: A negative (normal) stress test is quite reassuring, particularly in a 32 yo.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Slurred speech,weak: Most common are slurred speech, changes in level on consciousness and weakness in a half of the body.
There are more subtle changes also.
When the s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Hyperventilation?: Anxiety, stress, hyperventilation are all reasons to be short winded for a few minutes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Probably nothing: Inverted t waves in v1-v4 are not uncommon, particularly in young women. They are even called "juvenile t wave pattern".
I gather you already saw a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Yes: Used quite often if BP does not respond to one or two medications.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Not cardiac: Possible pleuritic chest pain, non specific and a nuisance more than dangerous. Try a short course (5-7 days) of nsaids with meals (ibuprofen/naproxe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
See an MD: You do have blood pressure, I assure you :). Your doctor will be able to tell you if it is high or low. Until you see one: be sure your weight is in r... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Same as medicine: It depends: but so far it seems that medicines (blood thinners) are the treatment of choice for pulmonary embolism. Surgery is only performed in despe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Ask...: Ask the same question to the doctor who ordered the test and/or the cardiologist who performed it.
You should not ask for a second opinion when you do... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Not important: When you sleep on your left side, your heart is closer to the chest wall and may feel like palpitations/ pounding.
No work up needed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Stress: Sounds like stress and may be hyperventilation.
Eat better, exercise regularly and if needed, discuss with your doctor.
There are also techniques (a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Doctor's advise : It depends so I am not going to give you a clear answer but a few IFs
If the hole is in the lower chamber (VSD) the doctors may wait until it closes i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 66-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Unlikely: "holes" in the heart may be the consequence of heart attacks but not from defibrillator discharges. Also they usually happen during/after the first h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
24-48 Hrs: Xarelto disappears from your system quite fast. I hope stopping xarelto was your doctor's orders as you should not stop it by yourself.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Nothing wrong: Weakness and no energy are usually related to sedentary lifestyle and no exercise.
Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension) may be relat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Yes: You may need a longer acting Inderal (propranolol) and better control of your anxiety.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 65-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Probably not: Flecainide should be taken under close supervision.
HR of 60 is NORMAL and you should not obsess about it. Quit taking HR since you have atrial fibri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Not really older: but doctors often say a "heart may be older than chronological age" when it looks weaker than normal or its arteries have more blockages than expecte... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Not likely: But alcohol taken up to 3-5 days prior to triglyceride test can increase the result,
At age 31, i would not worry. Do exercise, loose a few pounds, ab... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Most in left side: Because the electricity to defibrillate flows between the electrode that is positioned in the right ventricular floor and the defibrilator generator ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sergio Schabelmananswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Not quite true: Homografts in any position may have low to intermediate risk of infection but it is higher than the native valve.
Still antibiotic prophylaxis prior t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
224
Thank you notes
Nov 29, 2014
Very accurate and timely responses.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Schabelman is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Schabelman is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This is confirmation that I am doing the right things to manage my blood pressure. Meds, walking 5-8 miles a day, weight mgmt with Weight Watchers. Need to manage stress better!
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! when is surgery needed? i have only 1 isolated papvr with mild rv enlargment normal rv function and normal pulmonary pressures
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! I have sever anxiety and once in a great while I have fast heartbeats up to 108 and the lowest dose of xanax helps me!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Buenos Aires Faculty of Medicine
Graduated 1973MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Buenos Aires Faculty of Medicine, Argentina
MD
Residency
Argerich Hospital, Buenos Aires
Completed 1977
Awards
Top Doctor, Third Place, Louisiana - Fall
2014
Top Cardiologist , First Place, Louisiana - Fall
2014
Most Influential Doctor, First Place, Louisiana - Fall
2014
Affiliations
East jefferson general hospital
Ochsner medical center of kenner
River parishes hospital
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