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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
Sexual Health and Your Heart

Sexual Health and Your Heart

Here's what you need to know about resuming sexual activity after a cardiovascular event

Expert Perspectives

One of the most difficult things for female patients to discuss with their cardiologist is their sexual health. It is one of the most commonly missed topics at a cardiology visit, but it is a concern for women living with heart disease and for their partners.

Besides general embarrassment, generational values may get in the way of asking questions. But maintaining a happy and healthy sex life is important for your overall health and well-being, even if you live with cardiovascular disease.

Don't be afraid to discuss this with your doctor and, if your doctor is male, feel free to request the presence of a female nurse or other health practitioner during your discussion. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Get checked out. If you've experienced a cardiovascular event, ask your doctor to evaluate you to be sure it's safe to engage in sexual activity. This is particularly important if you have had a recent heart attack, heart failure, a complex heart rhythm condition or uncontrolled cardiac symptoms.

If your doctor gives you the green light, the relatively short duration of sexual activity won't generally put an undue stress on the heart. The rule of thumb: If you can walk up two flights of stairs, that level of exercise tolerance indicates it is safe to resume sexual activity. But always check with your doctor first.

Don't skip your meds. Do not stop taking your medications, even if you think they're affecting your sex drive. Instead, discuss this with your doctor and see if the medication needs to be adjusted or changed. If you have heart disease, hormone replacement and oral contraceptives should not be used, but topical estrogen cream has been used safely for vaginal dryness.

Build your energy back up. Getting serious about your cardiac rehabilitation and maintaining regular physical activity can give you the stamina you need to resume sexual activity.

Get your cuddles in. Touching and holding your partner can ease you back into physical intimacy in a comfortable, low-stress way.

Make a date. Planning time for intimacy can be a stepping stone back to regular sexual activity.

For more information, visit the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women

.

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