Cardiac surgery involves surgery on the heart or heart valves. A cardiac surgeon performs heart surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass surgery, on patients who have heart disease or heart valve disorders. Reasons that may make heart surgery necessary are: coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, disease of the heart valves, or heart attack. Some heart conditions can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle, and can be fatal.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. New York has 3 practicing cardiac surgeons. Broken out by city, cardiac surgery doctor density in Buffalo is 1, in East Setauket is 1, in Stony Brook is 1, and in Watertown is 1.

New York City has a wealth of opportunities for visitors and residents. Thousands of people each year see a Broadway show or visit Central Park, Coney Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Population of New York State is 19,254,630, but the population of New York City alone is 8,104,079. Located in upstate New York, Albany is capital of New York State. Niagara Falls, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the battlefields of Saratoga all offer outdoor activities. Hike, bicycle, or drive through the Adirondack or Catskill Mountains, or visit a winery in the Finger Lakes area.

According to 2005 Census estimates, New York has a population of 19,254,630. Of this population, 4,432,103 are under the age of 18 and 2,499,192 are at or above the age of 65.