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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.

Full Bio
Doctor using stethoscope while examining patient for heart disease
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What Is Heart Disease?

Ask the Expert

Q:

I am confused about all the different words used to describe heart disease. What is the difference between conditions like atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease? What is coronary artery disease? Bottom line, just what is heart disease, anyway?

A:

It really is confusing, isn't it? Let's see if I can help.

Heart disease is any kind of disease that affects the heart. That could be heart failure, angina, arrhythmia, valvular heart disease and coronary artery disease (CAD) or other conditions. Heart disease is the same thing as cardiac disease, but it is not the same thing as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardio refers to the heart and vascular refers to all the blood vessels in the body.

Cardiovascular disease refers to disease of the heart or blood vessels. For instance, it could include peripheral artery disease, in which the blood vessels in the legs become clogged and narrowed with plaque, resulting in pain upon walking. Plaque is composed of cholesterol, calcium, fat, dead cells and other gunk that can stick to the arteries, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart or, in the case of PAD, to the legs. Cardiovascular disease also includes stroke and high blood pressure.

Coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease and coronary atherosclerosis are the same thing. They occur when plaque builds up on the inside of coronary arteries.

Coronary atherosclerosis is a serious condition that can lead to heart attacks (also called acute myocardial infarction) or stroke. It can also result in angina, or chest pain upon exertion. Think of angina as a warning sign that you most likely have some form of heart disease.

Heart failure occurs when the heart doesn't pump blood as efficiently and effectively as it should. Untreated, high blood pressure often causes heart failure, as can other conditions, including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease and infections.

Regardless of the type of heart disease, the risk factors are quite similar, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight or obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, diet high in saturated fat and family history. Diabetes is a huge risk factor.

Look elsewhere on this site for information about reducing your risk of heart disease.

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