10 Best Cardiologists in New York City for Heart Health and Prevention
When Should You See a Cardiologist? Many patients wait for a heart attack before seeing a cardiologist. That is the worst possible timing. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable and detectable years before a clinical event.
10 Best Cardiologists in New York City for Heart Health and Prevention
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States — and New York City, with its world-class medical institutions, hosts some of the most accomplished cardiologists on the planet. But finding the right cardiologist in a city of 8 million people, dozens of hospital systems, and thousands of specialists is not simple.
The right cardiologist is not always the most famous one — it is the one who listens, communicates clearly, acts decisively in emergencies, and manages your heart health with both clinical precision and genuine human care.
A Cardiologist is an internal medicine physician who completes an additional 3-year fellowship in cardiovascular diseases, followed by optional subspecialty training in interventional cardiology, electrophysiology (arrhythmias), heart failure, imaging, or cardiac surgery. AZ New York curated 10 top-rated cardiologists and cardiology practices across Manhattan, verified by Google ratings and review volume.
Navigation Guide: The Heart Health Network
Cardiovascular care involves multiple specialists working together. See the connected guides:
| What are you looking for? | How does it connect to heart health? | Access Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Surgeons | When medication and stents are not enough, cardiac surgeons perform bypass, valve repair, and aortic surgery. | Visit Page |
| Electrophysiologists | Heart rhythm specialists who perform ablations for atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias. | Visit Page |
| Internists / Primary Care | Your internist monitors cholesterol, blood pressure, and refers to the cardiologist when needed. | Visit Page |
| Endocrinologists | Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and obesity are major cardiovascular risk factors managed by endocrinologists. | Visit Page |
| Vascular Surgeons | Peripheral artery disease, carotid artery stenosis, and aortic aneurysms are managed by vascular surgeons. | Visit Page |
| Neurologists | Stroke is a cardiovascular event — neurologists manage recovery and secondary prevention. | Visit Page |
| Dental Health | Gum disease is a documented cardiovascular risk factor. Oral health is heart health. | Visit Page |
When Should You See a Cardiologist?
Many patients wait for a heart attack before seeing a cardiologist. That is the worst possible timing. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable and detectable years before a clinical event.
Reasons to schedule a cardiology consultation:
- Chest pain or pressure: Any chest discomfort that is exertional, crushing, or radiates to the arm or jaw is a cardiac emergency until proven otherwise.
- Shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion: May indicate heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or arrhythmia.
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat: Atrial fibrillation affects over 6 million Americans and dramatically increases stroke risk if untreated.
- Family history of early heart disease: A parent or sibling with heart attack or cardiac death before age 55 (men) or 65 (women) requires preventive evaluation.
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol: All three are major modifiable cardiovascular risk factors requiring specialist-level monitoring.
- Pre-surgical clearance: Any major surgery requires cardiac evaluation — particularly for patients over 50 or with existing conditions.
List: 10 Best Cardiologists in New York City
New York City’s cardiology landscape spans world-renowned academic surgeons at Weill Cornell and NYU Langone, concierge cardiologists on Madison Avenue, high-volume community practices, and boutique preventive cardiology offices. Our list covers the full spectrum.
❤️ Dr. Leonard Girardi — Cardiac Surgeon, Weill Cornell
★ 5.0 (618 reviews)
Highlight: World-Renowned Open-Heart & Aortic Surgeon — Upper East Side / Weill Cornell
Address: 525 E 68th St, M-404, New York, NY 10065
Phone: +1 212-746-5194
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat–Sun Closed
Dr. Girardi is one of the most decorated cardiac surgeons in the United States, specializing in aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve replacement, and complex open-heart surgery. Patients travel from across the country and internationally to be evaluated by him. In one remarkable case, a patient who had been told by others that he needed surgery was evaluated by Dr. Girardi, who determined surgery was not yet necessary and recommended annual monitoring instead — a decision that eliminated the patient’s anxiety and demonstrated clinical honesty at the highest level. His postoperative outcomes are consistently exceptional, with patients describing full recovery from major cardiac surgery within months.
❤️ Dr. Robert J. Kim — Cardiologist
★ 5.0 (441 reviews)
Highlight: Master Communicator, Post-Visit Notes Called “Medical Writing Masterclass” — Upper East Side
Address: 1305 York Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10021
Phone: +1 646-962-5558
Hours: By appointment — contact practice for availability
Dr. Kim is praised equally for his clinical excellence and his communication — one patient, a 79-year-old with decades of medical experience, called his post-visit clinical notes “a medical writing masterclass and a thing of beauty.” He conducts thorough physical examinations including chest percussion and breath sounds, which multiple patients note is increasingly rare among specialists who rely solely on imaging. Described as exceptionally thorough, analytical, and compassionate — never rushing patients through appointments. An outstanding choice for patients who want to deeply understand their cardiac health.
❤️ Dr. Steven M. Markowitz — Electrophysiologist, Weill Cornell
★ 5.0 (319 reviews)
Highlight: AFib & Flutter Ablation Specialist — Upper East Side / Weill Cornell
Address: 520 E 70th St, Starr Pavilion, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021
Phone: +1 646-962-3421
Hours: Weill Cornell clinic hours — contact for availability
Dr. Markowitz is one of the leading electrophysiologists in New York City, specializing in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter. Multiple patients who had suffered from rapid heart rate and arrhythmias for years describe complete resolution after his ablation procedures. He is described as “always totally present” during follow-up visits — never rushing, patiently answering questions, and maintaining a calm, confident presence that reassures both patients and their families. Nurse Abigail is cited by name as a key part of the exceptional care experience.
❤️ Dr. Christopher F. Liu — Electrophysiologist, Weill Cornell
★ 5.0 (313 reviews)
Highlight: Same-Day Discharge After Ablation, International Patient Base — Upper East Side / Weill Cornell
Address: 520 E 70th St, Starr Pavilion, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021
Phone: +1 646-962-3421
Hours: Weill Cornell clinic hours — contact for availability
Dr. Liu performs cardiac ablation procedures that allow same-day discharge — one patient describes going home the same day as though “nothing happened before.” He attracts patients from Buffalo and internationally who specifically seek him out for complex electrophysiology cases. He is praised for spending time with patients to explain procedures in detail and for finding the best scenario to meet each patient’s individual needs. His nurse practitioner MiSon is cited for deep knowledge of cardiac procedures and exceptional patient education. A specialist who treats heart rhythm as both a science and a personal commitment to each patient.
❤️ Upper East Side Cardiology & Vein Institute — Dr. Satjit Bhusri
★ 4.9 (1,055 reviews)
Highlight: Most-Reviewed Cardiology Practice in NYC, Open Saturdays, 7 AM Start — Upper East Side
Address: 45 East End Ave, #1S, New York, NY 10028
Phone: +1 212-752-3464
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sat 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sun Closed
With over 1,000 reviews, Dr. Bhusri’s practice is the most-reviewed cardiology office in New York City. He opens at 7 AM and runs until 7 PM Monday through Friday — the widest access window of any practice on this list. Dr. Bhusri is described as reassuring, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaged in helping patients understand their cardiovascular health. After consulting multiple providers without clarity, one patient described Dr. Bhusri’s practice as “uniquely attentive and effective.” Cardiology technician Narda and ultrasound technician Debbie are each cited by name across multiple reviews. Open Saturdays — exceptional for a specialist cardiology practice.
❤️ Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine — Dr. Mark L. Meyer
★ 4.9 (357 reviews)
Highlight: Concierge-Level Access, Life-Saving Emergency Response — Midtown East
Address: 635 Madison Ave, #1401, New York, NY 10022
Phone: +1 212-583-2999
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat–Sun Closed
Dr. Meyer is credited by one patient with literally saving his life: after recognizing the urgency of the clinical situation, he sent the patient directly to hospital for emergency cardiac catheterization — and called multiple times while out of the office to check on him. PA Marie is described by a long-term patient as “the best medical professional I have ever met,” and the collaborative dynamic between her and Dr. Meyer is cited as a model other practices should observe. The office is described as beautiful and meticulously maintained. A true concierge-level cardiology experience on Madison Avenue.
❤️ Manhattan Cardiology — Midtown East
★ 4.7 (936 reviews)
Highlight: Highest Review Volume, Multi-Physician Practice, Insurance Advocates — Midtown East
Address: 211 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: +1 212-906-7798
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat–Sun Closed
Manhattan Cardiology has the highest raw review count of any practice on this list. The multi-physician team is described as proactive advocates for patients — one reviewer credits the team with pushing for tests that insurance companies were trying to deny, which likely saved his life. Dr. Amirian, Dr. Seagal, PAs Cindy and Janis, and coordinator Helen are each cited individually across reviews. One patient has been coming for over a decade and calls it their “rock” — the place that saved their life in 2014 and continued to guide them through subsequent challenges. Wait times can be long — plan accordingly.
❤️ Manhattan Cardiology — Upper East Side — Dr. Padma Shenoy & Dr. Gould
★ 4.8 (482 reviews)
Highlight: Thorough Stress Tests & Heart Monitor Reviews, Open Saturdays — Upper East Side
Address: 171A E 65th St, New York, NY 10065
Phone: +1 212-223-1025
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sun Closed
The Upper East Side location of Manhattan Cardiology offers something rare: Saturday hours until 5 PM — the latest weekend cardiology access on this list. Dr. Padma Shenoy is repeatedly praised for never rushing patients, spending time reviewing heart monitor results, stress tests, and bloodwork in full detail. She is described as “exceptionally knowledgeable” with a remarkable ability to address every concern clearly. Dr. Gould is praised for thorough explanation and always answering follow-up questions. The staff is described as welcoming and attentive from the first moment of arrival.
❤️ Heartwise Cardiology — Dr. Rastegar & Dr. Harnick
★ 4.9 (273 reviews)
Highlight: Meticulous Examination, Genuine Patient-Centered Care — Murray Hill
Address: 148 E 38th St, New York, NY 10016
Phone: +1 212-679-4488
Hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat–Sun Closed
Dr. Rastegar is described as “meticulously detailed in her examination and testing” — a cardiologist who is driven by a genuine desire to improve, manage, and restore cardiac health. Patients describe feeling comforted by her authentic investment in their wellbeing, not just their test results. Dr. Harnick is described as “the very best” by a long-term patient who says they would make the same choice over and over again, praising both exceptional surgical skill and rare human character. The practice name reflects a philosophy — and patients consistently confirm it is lived in practice.
❤️ Dr. Steven Reisman — Cardiologist
★ 4.9 (90 reviews)
Highlight: Life-Saving Asymptomatic Detection, Athletes Welcome — Upper East Side
Address: 115 E 86th St, New York, NY 10028
Phone: +1 212-860-0796
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat–Sun Closed
One of the most striking reviews in this entire guide comes from Dr. Reisman’s patient: “Dr. Reisman saved my life. I had absolutely no symptoms and was feeling fine. My inclination was to shrug off his concerns, and after two callbacks he convinced me to take the next step, which led to a life-saving procedure.” That persistence in the face of a resistant but asymptomatic patient is the hallmark of exceptional preventive cardiology. He also serves competitive bodybuilders and high-performance athletes for annual cardiac screening — a specialization that few NYC cardiologists actively cultivate. Nurse Michelle Gardiner makes every visit notably pleasant.
3 Cases Where the Right Cardiologist Saved a Life
- The Unnecessary Surgery: A patient had been scheduled for cardiac surgery after multiple evaluations. He sought a second opinion from Dr. Girardi, who reviewed all his imaging and data and determined that surgery was not yet necessary — his genetic condition was stable and required only annual monitoring. The relief was described as transformative: months of anxiety dissolved in one appointment.
- The Emergency That Almost Wasn’t: James felt fine. His checkup was routine. But Dr. Reisman saw something in his results that worried him — and called James back twice after the appointment to push for further testing. James resisted both times. On the second call, he relented. The subsequent procedure was life-saving. “He saved my life,” James wrote, “and I almost didn’t let him.”
- The Insurance Battle: Carol had been told by her insurance company that certain cardiac tests were not medically necessary. The team at Manhattan Cardiology fought back — submitting clinical documentation, making calls, and pushing until coverage was approved. Those tests revealed a condition that required intervention. “Probably ended up saving my life,” Carol wrote. “Very appreciative of everyone in that office.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon?
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A cardiologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and manages heart disease with medications, lifestyle interventions, and catheter-based procedures (stents, ablations). A cardiac surgeon is a surgical specialist who performs open-heart procedures: bypass grafts, valve repair and replacement, and aortic surgery. For most patients, the cardiologist is the primary manager and refers to the cardiac surgeon only when surgery is necessary.
2. What is atrial fibrillation (AFib) and why is it dangerous?
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Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm caused by chaotic electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart. It is dangerous primarily because it increases stroke risk by 5x — blood pools in the fibrillating atria and can form clots that travel to the brain. AFib is the most common heart arrhythmia in the US, affecting over 6 million Americans. Treatment includes blood thinners, rate control medications, cardioversion, and catheter ablation.
3. What does a cardiac stress test show?
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A stress test evaluates how the heart responds to increased demand — either on a treadmill or through medication (pharmacological stress). It detects reduced blood flow to the heart (ischemia) that may not be apparent at rest, identifies arrhythmias triggered by exertion, and assesses functional capacity. An abnormal stress test typically leads to further imaging (nuclear stress test, stress echo) or cardiac catheterization.
4. At what age should I see a cardiologist for the first time?
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There is no universal age — it depends on risk factors. Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or a family history of early heart disease should have a cardiology evaluation regardless of age. For the general population, a baseline evaluation in the 40s is reasonable. Competitive athletes of any age benefit from periodic cardiac screening. If you have any symptoms — chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath — do not wait for a specific age.
5. What is a coronary calcium score (CAC) and should I get one?
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A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a low-radiation CT scan that detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries — an early marker of atherosclerosis. A score of 0 indicates very low near-term risk; a score above 400 indicates significant plaque burden. It is particularly useful for patients at intermediate cardiovascular risk who are undecided about statin therapy. Not covered by all insurers, but typically costs $100–$200 out-of-pocket. Ask your cardiologist if it is appropriate for your risk profile.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
AZ New York provides informational content only. Cardiology requires individualized clinical evaluation. If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations, seek emergency care immediately. Ratings reflect Google Maps data at the time of publication. Always consult a licensed cardiologist for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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