Shant J. Manoushagian, MD

I have been fascinated by the inner workings of the body ever since I dissected a frog in middle school. When I was in high school, I volunteered at a hospital and had the opportunity to observe thoracic surgery. I was drawn to science and patient care, and I knew that medicine was the right career for me.

Before I started medical school, I worked with a cardiologist doing cardiac imaging research, and I became captivated by the cardiovascular system. I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the heart and its various components that must work together in order for it to function properly.  

As I progressed with my medical education and training, I was intrigued by the technology that can be used to diagnose and manage heart conditions. I gained an appreciation for the distress that heart disease can cause for patients and their families, and I wanted to be in a position to help them. So, I decided to become a cardiologist and specialize in advanced cardiac imaging.

As a noninvasive cardiologist, I manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and vascular disease. I prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests and procedures, and refer patients to other cardiac subspecialists as necessary. I perform transesophageal echocardiograms and interpret nuclear stress tests, electrocardiograms, transthoracic echocardiograms, cardiac CT scans, and cardiac MRI scans.

At NYU Langone, I specialize in advanced cardiac imaging, such as coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), a test that allows us to evaluate coronary arteries noninvasively using three-dimensional CT images. I also use noncontrast cardiac CT scans to obtain a coronary artery calcium score. These scans enable me to determine how much calcium patients have in their coronary arteries and how aggressively they should be treated to prevent heart attacks. I also use cardiac MRI scans to help evaluate a variety of cardiac conditions, including cardiomyopathy and valve disease.

I treat patients the same way I would treat a family member. I spend as much time as needed to ensure that patients understand their condition and are comfortable with their treatment plan. I find it incredibly rewarding when I am able to make a significant difference in my patients’ lives.