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Nieca Goldberg, MD, FACC

Cardiologist
NYU Langone Cardiology Associates
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
A National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association
Founder and Former Medical Director, Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health

Dr. Nieca (NEE-sah) Goldberg is a board-certified cardiologist, educator, author, and advocate for women’s health, who is passionate about changing the narrative around heart health, from prevention to treatment. Dr. Nieca currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Heart disease remains the #1 killer for both men and women in the U.S. yet is still largely observed and treated as a male-focused disease. Through her nationally recognized platform and work, Dr. Nieca has made it her mission to unpack the complexities of our healthcare system and empower communities with the tools to advocate for a healthier future. Dr. Nieca is a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association and started the “Go Red for Women” campaign, the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. She also currently serves as Board Member of HealthyWomen, as well as Advisory Board Member of the Barnard Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being. Dr. Nieca previously was medical director of NYU Women’s Heart Program, Senior Advisor of Women’s Health Strategy at NYU Langone Health, and the founder and Medical Director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at the NYU Langone Medical Center.

Dr. Nieca currently serves on the Woman’s Day Editorial Advisory Board and hosts the podcast Beyond the Heart™ where she explores essential conversations with doctors, thought leaders, health practitioners, and game-changers to help listeners redefine the healing process and become their best health advocate. Dr. Nieca is the author of DR. NIECA GOLDBERG’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO WOMEN’S HEALTH. She has also authored the award winning and highly acclaimed book WOMEN ARE NOT SMALL MEN, which was updated and titled THE WOMEN’S HEALTHY HEART PROGRAM: Lifesaving Strategies for Preventing and Healing Heart Disease published by Ballantine Books. To raise awareness of heart health best practices, Dr. Nieca has made numerous appearances on programs such as The Today Show, The View, Good Morning America, CNN, and CBS Evening News. In addition, she has been featured and interviewed in leading national and international publications discussing women's health and heart disease, where she can be found sharing tips and insights on cardiovascular research updates, nutrition, exercise, and more. A graduate of Barnard College and SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, Dr. Nieca completed her medical residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center and a cardiology fellowship at SUNY Downstate.

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Screenings for Young Athletes

Ask the Expert
heart health

Q:

When I read about young athletes dying suddenly from a heart problem, I wonder if I should have my teenaged sons tested. Is there such a test? Our family has a history of heart disease.

A:

Although very rare, there are instances in which seemingly healthy young athletes suddenly collapse and die. The most common cause is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which part of the heart muscle thickens, disrupting electrical signals throughout the heart and the arrangement of heart muscle cells.

Unfortunately, most schools do not adequately screen young athletes for heart problems, even though the American Heart Association recommends a 12-item screening process that could reduce the risk of sudden death. The screening includes a personal history, blood pressure, family history and physical examination. It should be administered every two years for high school athletes; every three years for college athletes.

The AHA does not recommend electrocardiograms unless the initial screening shows a family history of sudden death, Marfan syndrome, unexplained fainting, hear murmur or high blood pressure. If so, the athlete should be referred for further cardiovascular examination.

I suggest you ask your family health care professional to screen your sons using the AHA tool. And make sure you provide a full description of your family's history of heart disease.

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