Posted on April 8, 2014
Cardiac and Heart Care From The The Top Cardiologist in NYC
Seeing a cardiologist NYC will likely be more expensive than a regular doctor’s visit. Not only are the tests more expensive, they could be more invasive as well. The best way to prepare yourself for that reality is to talk to your insurance company before your appointment with a heart specialist. 
The Truth According to Policy
Your insurance company can tell you what procedures are covered and how much the coverage amounts to. In most cases, insurance covers at least 80% of the cost of care. The other 20% is covered by the patient or by a supplemental insurance provider. Be sure to ask about any deductible that has to be met before your insurance kicks in.
Stay in communication with your primary care physician. They can provide additional information that will help you research your condition. Keep in mind; the diagnosis has not been confirmed, but your regular doctor can tell you the suspected possibilities.
The main assumption patients, and people in general, make about a cardiologist NYC is that they’re all the same. Meaning; every specialist performs the same functions in order to treat various heart conditions. This is untrue, but the misinformation does stem from fact.
Getting the Facts
Every heart doctor has training and education in both diagnostic and interventional cardiology. What they do with that training and education dictates the role they fill as a doctor.
The difference between the two types of cardiology is:
- One doctor performs heart surgery and spends time on duty in the hospital.
- One doctor works in the clinic or office diagnosing heart problems and designing treatment protocols for patients.
If you have a heart problem and you don’t know what the cause of the problem is, you’d most likely be evaluated by a clinically-based cardiologist NYC first. Depending on the results of the visit, which includes diagnostic tests, you will either proceed with the treatment protocol in place or be referred to the interventional cardiologist for more invasive, even surgical, treatment.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that any doctor can do these things. A cardiologist NYC is specially trained to deal with heart-related issues. Other doctors can focus on the basics, but that doesn’t safeguard your heart health; consultations available per scheduling.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on April 3, 2014
Find a Stress Test For Heart Disease in NYC
Heart disease and stress go hand-in-hand. For that reason, it’s not uncommon that patients with chronic chest pain opt for a cardiac stress test (also known as a treadmill test). 
This test acts as an initial measure of your cardiac function. It can also be used to support other diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Heart Disease and Stress; What Happens?
On the surface, stress or anxiety releases adrenaline. Adrenaline increases your energy and the workload on your organs, at least temporarily. This increase can cause muscle contractions and chest pain when your heart rate becomes elevated.
Occasional bouts with adrenaline happened to everyone, but angina – whether stable or unstable – is where heart disease and stress intersect.
Angina, especially when it’s chronic or progressively worsens, can be a sign that the oxygen level or blood flow necessary for heart function has decreased. While this isn’t always an immediate indicator of heart attack, it does need to be addressed and treated accordingly.
Enter: cardiac stress test.
Determining the Heart’s Workload
This exercise-based test is used to determine three things:
- Your activity threshold
- Your cardiac blood flow when your activity level is elevated
- The amount of oxygen being utilized by your heart
Your age, weight, and other medical factors will determine what your ideal activity threshold should be.
The longer you are able to sustain that activity threshold, the better your heart function will likely prove to be. That’s not to say that you should push yourself beyond your natural limit. In fact, specialists are in the room to ensure that you do not put yourself at undue risk during the test.
The side effects from a stress test are relatively mild. It can take patients a few minutes to regain their breath and allow their heart rate to fall within the normal range. However, if you begin experiencing significant discomfort at any time during the test, please say something right away.
How you react and respond can give specialists additional clues to how your heart disease and stress may relate to one another.
Given that additional discussions and tests will likely be needed; the more information that can be collected on your heart, the better your chances are of condition management in the long run.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on April 1, 2014
What To Consider When Finding The Top Cardiologist For Your Heart in NYC
Patients often have a hard time finding the top cardiologist in New York. Reason being; there are literally thousands of heart specialists to choose from in the greater New York area, this includes Manhattan; making it difficult to draft a short list, let alone select a single top cardiologist from so many. 
That’s why, it can be helpful to use online resources, reviews from other patients, and expert lists like this one to get the process started.
The Top 5 Cardiology Heart Associates in Manhattan
We’ve listed the top five cardiology heart associates below. This will let you know the kind of things to look for before making your own list or selecting a name from this one.
Cardiologist #1: Dr. Jeffrey Moses-serves as director of interventional cardiology at both of New York Presbyterian’s clinical locations. Dr. Moses has performed thousands of heart-related procedures throughout his career, giving him the perfect combination of knowledge and experience, as demonstrated by his current post. In the last three years alone, he has continued to uphold the prestigious reputation that New York Presbyterian is known for; the program remains one of the top cardiology destinations in the country.
Cardiologist #2: Dr. Samin Sharma-is another one of New York’s finest interventional cardiologists. He currently practices at Mount Sinai Medical Ctr. This medical center rivals New York Presbyterian; performing well over 5,000 cardiac procedures a year. Dr. Sharma is considered a role model to his peers, and is dedicated to being on the cutting-edge of cardiology within the medical field.
Cardiologist #3: Dr. Mark Seldon-is dual certified in cardiology and internal medicine. He holds the unique distinction of being able to treat not only heart disease, but vascular conditions as well. The 35 years he has spent as a cardiologist have put him in some of the top circles in a field, including an affiliation with Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU.
Cardiologist #4: Dr. Fred Pasternak-shares his dedication to cardiology directly with his patients. He gives every interaction his full attention; providing patients in need with a knowledgeable and direct approach to treatment.
Cardiologist #5: Dr. David Weinstock-is an indictable resource for patients facing long-term management of cardiac conditions or and involved cardiac rehabilitation process. He can use his connections with over 11 institutions in the New York area to make sure you get the best treatment possible. He will follow-up to make sure your treatment plan is sufficient.
Out of the thousands of cardiologists that work in New York City, how do you find the top cardiologist that is right for you? This is a question that every heart patient has to face at one time or another. Luckily, there are two approaches you can take to finding the heart specialist who can help you most.
Method #1: Get a referral
This is the most common approach patients take to finding a heart doctor. Why? Getting a referral from your primary care physician eliminates a lot of questions and hurdles for you. Two of the biggest concerns for patients are:
- Is my heart doctor experienced and properly certified?
- Will my insurance cover my treatment costs?
If you get a referral from another physician, both of these questions are already answered for you.
Clinics that work with in-network specialists have to make sure those specialists are fully certified and covered by the patient’s insurance provider before giving the referral.
Given the changes in insurance coverage that are due to take effect this year; this will likely be the favored way to choose a top cardiologist from now on. Of course, there is no harm in double checking your cardiologist’s background and credentials.
Method #2: Contact the heart doctor directly
In some cases, you get farther by contacting a specialist directly. This is particularly helpful if you have a condition that requires the attention of a limited number of specialists.
These conditions include:
- Vascular varicosity
- Hypertension
- Problems with cardiac electrical function
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Advanced heart failure
Depending on the condition that requires treatment, you will be referred to the clinical department that will handle your case.
This approach requires extra work to make sure that the top cardiologist you need is properly certified and covered by your insurance provider. Medical exceptions can be granted if a patient can show that treatment from a particular specialist is a matter of medical necessity. The clinic can help you prove your case to the insurance company.
Even if insurance coverage isn’t possible, there are ways to pay for treatment from an out of network provider. Talk to the clinic about your options if necessary.
It is a good idea to come up with a list of questions for your top cardiologist that you can take with you to your first appointment. The answers to these questions will help you understand more about your condition and your specialist; supporting a solid ongoing doctor-patient relationship.
The Medicare Quandary
The initial changes to the health care system are expected to go into effect over the next year. This isn’t always the case if you rely on Medicare, Medicaid, or a Medicare supplemental. The expansion option has already started to affect recipients. Here’s how:
In preparation for the large-scale changes to national healthcare that are expected in 2014, Medicare and Medicaid have offered state government the option to accept an expansion plan. Will the plan affect your ability to see an insurance covered cardiologist? It is highly likely, yes..
Patients with preferred provider coverage will find their limits first. You are paying a monthly sum for the freedom to choose doctors, but not only can that premium fee increase, you may be required to cover as much as half of each appointment cost. This is in addition to any co-pays or additional charges that your insurance doesn’t cover.
You do have a chance to forego the preferred provider coverage, but you have to do so by a certain annual deadline. There are exceptions to this rule, but only an insurance representative can find out if you qualify for an exception under the pre-set policy guidelines.
We recommend checking with your insurance provider to find an insurance covered cardiologist. That way, no matter what happens, you know the financial responsibility that you hold for your care.
Living without Insurance
Quite a few Americans have no formal health insurance coverage. When it comes to treating something like heart disease, its a good idea to review your coverage options before things get unmanageable.
Talk to your specialist about creating reasonable payment plans and find out about options like healthcare credit or in-house financing . Approaching the cost of your care candidly and head on will help you construct a plan with manageability that remains amendable and cost-effective.
So whether or not you find an insurance covered cardiologist, you do have options to receive the care from the top cardiologist you select. The best thing you can do for yourself is to persevere. Find providers that will work with you so that you can receive the life-saving care you need.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on February 27, 2014
Locate Best Reviewed Cardiology Heart Associates NYC
A city like New York has a lot of treatment options for health problems like heart disease. Looking for cardiology heart associates can be a little like looking for a needle in a haystack. It helps if you have a particular needle in mind before you start your search.
This article will look at one specific example that could help patients in need find the right cardiology heart associates.
Running out of Alternatives
Certain cardiac conditions require the use of invasive procedures, no matter how you slice it. Diagnoses like coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure top the list.
To prolong their heart function, patients with these conditions need bypass surgery, angioplasty, stenting, circulation therapy, and other treatments that involve minor to extensive surgery. The trouble is not every patient with these conditions is eligible for surgery.
Generally, you have to be healthy enough for surgery and able to participate and comply with cardiac rehabilitation practices. Some patients simply aren’t healthy enough to withstand the surgical process.
If you find yourself among these patients, you need to find cardiology heart associates who specialize in alternative treatments. The good news is New York is a great place to find cutting-edge treatments. For instance, one approach that is experiencing a lot of success is called Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP).
You might compare this new technique to a combination of enhanced circulation therapy and a preemptive modality to L-VAD dependency.
A Ray of Hope
To complete your EECP treatments, you would need to visit a specially equipped cardiac care facility. While there, you will put on a special pair of legging pressure cuffs.
These cuffs are similar to the ones you wear to test your circulation, with one primary difference: they don’t fill with air arbitrarily. The filling process is monitored by a computer and regulated to your heart rate. Patients come into a cardiac care clinic for one hour sessions and leave with better circulation and heart function.
In an average of 40 sessions, a patient can actually stimulate healthy vessel growth that replaces or circumvents diseased or blocked arteries. By squeezing the blood back toward the heart, cardiology heart associates can begin to train and improve your heart function passively rather than invasively.
The treatment may not be warranted in all cases, but it is one of the promising developments cardiology heart associates can now offer patients. The fact that your treatment options aren’t limited to surgery is exciting news for patients in need of alternatives.
Research it and start your six-week treatment.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on February 20, 2014
Top 6 Facts To Know Before Visiting a Cardiology Heart Associate
Patients visit a cardiology heart associate for a number of reasons, but it usually boils down to one of three choices: 
- Diagnostic testing
- Non-invasive treatment
- Surgery
A cardiology heart associate usually does not perform heart surgery unless they are a certified interventional cardiologist, but they can help prepare you for surgery.
The question is, is there any way to figure out what reasons fit your case before your first appointment? Perhaps the six questions asked below will help shed some light on the subject.
Testing, Treatment, or Surgery: Getting the Facts
A cardiology heart associate goes through a process of elimination for every patient before settling on the right course of action. In each case. We’ll take you through that process using these questions:
Question #1: What is the urgency of surgery?
Depending on the condition a patient arrives in, it may be necessary to immediately admit them to the closest hospital. The cardiology heart associate you came to see will still play a vital role in your case. Not only will they inform the hospital of the situation, they will contact your general practitioner, and stay in contact with the hospital as a treatment resource. You may return to see them as part of your post-surgery care plan.
Question #2: When was the last time you had a coronary evaluation?
If you were just referred by your general practitioner, this is likely your first evaluation. The results of the evaluation will dictate what happens next. If your evaluation is over two years old, it may be time to perform another one.
Question #3: Is there unstable coronary function or a major clinical risk that prohibits surgery?
If so, non-invasive treatment options like angioplasty and EECP will be used to improve your heart function.
Question #4: What do the clinical signs indicate?
This question will determine the primary course your treatment takes. If clinical indications are minor, you are most likely looking at baseline tests and long-term management of symptoms. If they are major, a different question needs to be asked before proceeding to surgery.
Question #5: How does heart function compare to clinical risk?
Intermittent changes in heart function don’t translate to immediate surgery. These changes mean that more testing is needed.
Question #6: Based on the answers to these questions, do I still need to see a cardiology heart associate?
Yes, these questions give you an idea of what to expect, but they do not replace sound medical advice and life-saving treatments. You should always get a professional opinion prior to treatment.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on February 18, 2014
How To Find The Heart Doctor That is Right For You
Out of the thousands of cardiologists that work in New York City, how do you find the heart doctor that is right for you? This is a question that every heart patient has to face at one time or another. Luckily, there are two approaches you can take to finding the heart specialist who can help you most. 
Method #1: Get a referral
This is the most common approach patients take to finding a heart doctor. Why? Getting a referral from your primary care physician eliminates a lot of questions and hurdles for you. Two of the biggest concerns for patients are:
- Is my heart doctor experienced and properly certified?
- Will my insurance cover my treatment costs?
If you get a referral from another physician, both of these questions are already answered for you.
Clinics that work with in-network specialists have to make sure those specialists are fully certified and covered by the patient’s insurance provider, before giving the referral. Given the changes in insurance coverage that are due to take effect in 2014; this will likely be the favored way to choose a specialist from now on.
Of course, there is no harm in double checking your cardiologist’s background and credentials. It can help you get a better understanding of your condition and treatment protocol.
Method #2: Contact the heart doctor directly
In some cases, you get farther by contacting a specialist directly. This is particularly helpful if you have a condition that requires the attention of a limited number of specialists.
These conditions include:
- Vascular varicosity
- Hypertension
- Problems with cardiac electrical function
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Advanced heart failure
Depending on the condition that requires treatment, you will be referred to the clinical department that will handle your case.
his approach requires extra work to make sure that the specialist you need is properly certified and covered by your insurance provider. Medical exceptions can be granted if a patient can show that treatment from a particular specialist is a matter of medical necessity. The clinic can help you prove your case to the insurance company.
Even if insurance coverage isn’t possible, there are ways to pay for treatment from an out of network provider. Talk to the clinic about your options if necessary.
It is a good idea to come up with a list of questions for your heart specialist that you can take with you to your first appointment. The answers to these questions will help you understand more about your individual condition and your chosen specialist; supporting a solid ongoing doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on February 13, 2014
Find The Top Facility For a Treadmill Test in Manhattan
A stress or treadmill test is one of the most basic diagnostic tools used by a cardiologists. In its entirety, the test only takes a few minutes to complete, but in that time heart specialists can find out a lot about your cardiac function, rate, and rhythm.
A Simple, Comprehensive Test
The goal of a treadmill test is to see how well your heart functions when you are active, so it can be compared to your heart rate and function at rest. The best way to do this is to have you run on the treadmill for 8 to 12 minutes.
In that time, the specialist running the test will increase the speed of the treadmill at a steady rate until you are getting a full aerobic workout. Your results on the treadmill test will be compared to other patients in your age group. A healthy heart should be able to hit and sustain an activity level of eight.
You can also add a metabolic component to a standard treadmill test. This component tests your oxygen level through a mask as you complete the test. It gives the best overall picture of the heart without overly invasive testing. Even so, a treadmill test comes with a few warnings that patients should be aware of.
Rare, but still Necessary
This is how most cardiac specialists refer to the warnings associated with the treadmill test. Although occurrences problems during a test are very rare, they still have to warn patients about certain possibilities.
You will be actively working during the test, but that does not mean you are unable to communicate. Please tell the specialist running the test if you begin to experience:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Pain in the back, neck, arm, jaw
These symptoms will change the way the stress test is administered.
Remember, you are taking this test voluntarily. You can stop at any time. The best thing that you can do for everyone involved is to clearly communicate what you are experiencing physically during the test. You will be asked questions as you are completing it, but those questions don’t always cover everything. If anything concerns you at all, say something.
Cardiologists want accurate results, but not at the cost of a patient’s safety. This test may give them enough information to come up with a treatment protocol, or it may indicate that more tests are needed. Either way, it’s a good diagnostic starting point that most heart patients undergo as part of their treatment plan.
Informational consultations are available today.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on February 11, 2014
Are There Tests To Determine if I Need Heart Surgery
Almost every heart patient knows to watch out for the telltale signs of heart trouble: 
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Tightness or numbness in the upper extremities
- Nausea
- Profuse sweating
- Increased chest pain during normal activities or at rest
- Dizziness
What you may not know is that for a lot of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), a heart attack is the first indication that they have any form of heart disease.
Now What?
A heart attack can be minor or it can be severe, it all depends on what condition your heart muscle is in.
Patients who suffer a minor heart attack might not recognize that it has occurred. Chances are they will go to their general practitioner and complain of chest discomfort and difficulty breathing or dizziness. The general practitioner will immediately refer them to a cardiologist.
When you have a heart attack, your heart releases an enzyme that signals a cardiac event has affected your heart muscle. Heart specialists know to look for this enzyme in patients who complain of certain symptoms. If the tests prove that you have suffered a heart attack, the next step is to evaluate the health and damage done to your heart.
There are invasive and non-invasive measures that can indicate whether or not you need heart surgery. The non-invasive measures include things like:
- Cardiac ultrasound
- Stress test
- EKG
- Heart scan
The invasive tests include:
- Cardiac catheterization
- Angioplasty
- Evaluation for assistive devices
The goal is to evaluate what condition your heart is in before deciding on a long-term plan. That long-term plan may include heart surgery and it may not.
In case of Surgery
If heart surgery is put on the table as a distinct possibility, you will talk to a heart surgeon several times prior to surgery.
During these exams, it is likely that lab work and other tests will be run to evaluate your candidacy for heart surgery. There are less invasive alternatives if surgery isn’t recommended. There are two options for restoring function to your heart surgically:
- Stents to open blocked arteries
- Coronary bypass to reroute the circulation of the heart through healthier pathways
The surgeon’s findings will dictate the approach taken.
Regardless of how well the surgery goes, you will be expected to actively participate in bettering your own cardiac health. This means completing your cardiac rehab course post-surgery.
It also means making some lifestyle and activity changes that promote better heart function. Patients who do not make these efforts sacrifice the effectiveness of their heart surgery and an improved quality of life.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on February 5, 2014
Top 5 Signs You May Need Heart Surgery
Patients can make a lot of assumptions about heart surgery. One of the most common misconceptions is that once surgery enters the conversation, you have no other treatment choice. Not only is this assumption incorrect, it can prematurely stop patients from investigating all of their options. 
5 Signs that indicate you might benefit from Heart Surgery
To put it plainly, surgery isn’t the right solution for every patient. Some patients are not good candidates due to age, risk level, or other health conditions. Other patients are more likely to respond to less invasive treatments. Open heart surgery carries risks, even for otherwise healthy patients; it is not a risk that surgeons universally recommend taking.
That said, it begs the question: are there situations where heart surgery should be seriously considered? Yes, of course. We will review the top 5 signs that you need heart surgery.
Sign #1: Your left main artery is extremely narrow. Your heart has several veins and arteries that circulate blood within the cardiac muscle and pump it throughout the body. The left main artery feeds directly into the heart. If it is restricted or blocked, then your heart is not getting the sufficient blood supply it needs to function.
Sign #2: All cardiac arteries are 80 to 90 percent restricted or blocked. At this point, your heart function has decreased to a life-threatening level. If emergent invasive action is not taken as soon as possible, you are at high risk for a stroke or sudden cardiac death.
Sign #3: The surgeon or interventional cardiologist recommends heart surgery. Heart surgeons have the training and experience to know what treatment protocol works best on a case-by-case basis. If they are recommending surgery over other treatment alternatives, it means that you will likely have more success with this approach then you would with angioplasty or stents.
Sign #4: You need surgery to address another type of heart condition, like a valve replacement. Assuming you’re healthy enough for surgery, your cardiologist may recommend addressing both problems at once. This will improve your heart function overall and put less stress on the muscle over the long-term.
Sign #5: You have diabetes, as well as two or more blocked arteries. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of suffering a heart attack. Cardiac surgery may be your best option to avoid this outcome.
Patients typically experience immediate relief from chronic symptoms like chest pain and pressure, but surgery is not a cure for heart disease. You also have to make long-term lifestyle changes.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
Posted on February 1, 2014
Top 10 Facts You May Need a Heart Transplant
Organ transplant isn’t something most of us regularly talk about, but it should be. Patients go through multiple stressors during this process largely due to the fact that they simply don’t know much about it.
To minimize the unknowns we’ve put together a list of the top 10 facts you need to know about organ transplants.
Top 10 Heart Transplant Facts
Some of this information will be basic; some will be specific:
Fact #1: Transplants are done when your functioning organ fails. Organ failure occurs when an organ stops working, doesn’t work sufficiently, is diseased, or gets damaged beyond repair. All of these reasons are motivating factors for heart transplant.
Fact #2: Not every organ is able to be transplanted. The current transplant list includes:
- Kidney
- Liver
- Small intestine
- Heart
- Lung
- Pancreas
- Parts of the eye
Different malfunctions or diseases may warrant a transplant of one or more organs.
Fact #3: It is possible to receive a multiple-organ transplant. The most common is a heart-lung transplant. If a match is found, it is best for all necessary organs to come from the same donor. This minimizes the chances of rejection and maximizes the success rate.
Fact #4: Not every patient is eligible for a transplant. A transplant specialist will put you through rigorous physical and mental tests, as well as a background check before your name is added to the transplant list. This result is not a foregone conclusion. Be prepared for increased stress during this process.
Fact #5: If approved for a heart transplant, your name will be added to a waiting list. Patients can spend weeks, months, or years waiting for an organ match. The average wait is two years.
Fact #6: Organ transplants have been performed since the 1950s. The procedure is always improving, as is the success rate. The success rate for a heart transplant is currently 88%.
Fact #7: Blood typing matters. Matching your blood type to the donor organ is what tells your body to accept it rather than attack it.
Fact #8: Continue all treatments until a match is found. Non-compliance with treatment will result in a transplant denial.
Fact #9: Drug therapy increases the likelihood of a successful transplant surgery. Once the surgery is completed, you will likely be on anti-rejection drugs for life. These drugs help the organ function properly.
Fact #10: Talk to other transplant recipients. Having a support system is vital both before and after a heart transplant. Other patients can help you through the stressful and difficult moments of your treatment.
Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.
