Two Decades, One Heart, and a Team He Trusts

After surviving a silent heart attack at 53, Albert Spiegel placed his faith in Englewood Health. Twenty years later, the team is still keeping his heart strong.

For more than 20 years, Albert Spiegel has placed his heart—both literally and figuratively—in the hands of Englewood Health’s dedicated team. A longtime Cresskill resident, devoted husband, and father, Albert has witnessed the evolution of the hospital’s heart program firsthand, from its earliest days to its latest advancements.

A Silent Heart Attack and a Life-Changing Diagnosis

In 2003, at just 53 years old, Albert experienced what he later learned was a silent heart attack. He had gone to the doctor for a sore throat when a physician heard something concerning in his heart. That visit led him to Richard S. Goldweit, MD, an interventional cardiologist, who performed cardiac catheterization and delivered shocking news: Two of Albert’s coronary arteries were completely blocked, and a third was significantly narrowed. Without surgery, he was given less than three years to live.

At the time, Englewood Health’s heart program was in its infancy, led by Drs. M. Arisan Ergin and James Klein, and, on March 4, 2003, Albert was among its first open-heart patients. After his successful procedure, doctors determined he was at risk for ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. That’s when he met Grant R. Simons, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist, who implanted a cardioverter-defibrillator to help regulate his heartbeat.

Commitment to Recovery—and to Others

Determined to regain his strength, Albert began cardiac rehabilitation and, over 20 years later, has remained committed to his recovery.

And Albert’s dedication extends far beyond his own health. He became an active participant in the Visiting Hearts peer support program, offering guidance and reassurance to patients preparing for heart surgery. In one year alone, he spoke to more than 100 patients, sharing his experience and encouragement. He would often tell them: "Have faith in what you believe and trust these doctors. At Englewood Health, you’re in the hands of a great team."

A New Challenge and a New Chapter

Years later, Albert faced another challenge when he developed atrial fibrillation (AFib). Dr. Simons performed ablations to manage his new condition, as well as his existing ventricular tachycardia, and for a time, his heart remained stable. But in the summer of 2024, Albert noticed swelling in his legs—a sign of fluid buildup caused by worsening heart function.

This time, he became a patient in the joint program between ColumbiaDoctors and Englewood Health for advanced heart failure, which brings Columbia’s renowned experts closer to home. With the assistance of cardiologist, Dr. Seth Avner, he met Afsana Rahman, MD, medical director of advanced heart failure, who, alongside her team, determined that Albert was a candidate for a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)—a device that helps the heart pump blood more effectively.

On September 6, 2024, Albert underwent his LVAD procedure through the program’s seamless transition from Englewood Health to Columbia. The surgery was a success, with an easier-than-expected recovery. Within three days, Albert was out of the ICU and back on the path to rehabilitation.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Today, Albert is once again in physical therapy, rebuilding his strength with the same determination that has carried him through two decades of heart care. His recovery was marked by a meaningful milestone—one of his first outings after surgery was to take his wife to dinner for their 49th wedding anniversary.

Reflecting on his journey, Albert expresses nothing but gratitude for the team that has stood by him every step of the way. “They put me back together. They always do,” he says. He’s especially thankful for the nurses and staff who have provided him with unwavering care and support throughout his treatment. “These folks have been my caregivers for so long that we are no longer patient and caregiver, but friends, as well.”

After all these years, his doctors remain at Englewood Health too. Dr. Goldweit, who formerly served as chief of interventional cardiology and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, now acts as a senior adviser to Englewood Health cardiovascular services. Meanwhile, Dr. Simons serves as chief of heart rhythm services. Both continue to expand the trusted care on which Albert has depended for over 20 years.

Pictured Above

Cardiac patient Albert Spiegel is joined by his cardiac care team from over the last 20 years at Englewood Health. 

Left to right: Seated: Carol Spiegel, Albert Spiegel, Frances Vela-Cantos, APN. Standing: Albert Spiegel, Jr., Diane Lubinski, APN, Grant Simons, MD, Afsana Rahman, MD, Joanne Cardona, APN, Richard Goldweit, MD.