Ishmam Ibtida, MD

Losing a parent to premature coronary artery disease at a young age inspired me to pursue a career in cardiology. That personal connection, combined with my deep interest in evidence-based medicine and the complexities of cardiac physiology, solidified my dedication to this field. Over time, I’ve developed a particular focus on preventive cardiology, especially for high-risk populations, such as the Southeast Asian community, to help manage risk factors before heart disease develops.

Training during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic shaped my commitment to treating every patient with empathy and care, the same as I would for my own family. As a Brooklyn native, it’s an honor to provide care in the community where I grew up. Much of my medical training took place in New York City, including my time as chief resident at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where I focused on cardio-oncology research. Now, as a practicing cardiologist, I continue to rely on the most advanced diagnostic tools and therapies to prevent premature cardiovascular disease and improve the lives of my patients. The most fulfilling part of my work is spending time with my patients—building strong, trusting relationships and helping them achieve better health. Empowering individuals to take control of their cardiovascular health and successfully prevent heart disease is what drives me every day.

I manage a wide range of cardiovascular conditions in adult patients, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, chest pain, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. As part of my practice, I specialize in noninvasive cardiovascular imaging and diagnostic evaluations to identify heart conditions early and guide precise treatment plans. This includes performing and interpreting transesophageal echocardiograms, transthoracic echocardiograms, cardiac stress tests, and coronary CT angiography.

Effective cardiovascular care means carefully synthesizing a patient’s personal history, symptoms, laboratory data, and imaging studies to build a complete picture of their health. My approach is comprehensive and collaborative—I tailor management strategies to each patient’s unique risk profile while ensuring they are actively involved in shared decision-making. When patients understand their condition and feel empowered to partner in their care, they achieve the best long-term outcomes.