The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. Each episode is designed to empower women to take control of their well-being and become the CEO of their own health.

In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Joanne Patella, a vibrant and energetic woman whose life was suddenly upended by persistent shortness of breath. Joanne’s journey took her through multiple providers who dismissed her symptoms or offered incomplete solutions—labeling her with conditions she didn’t fully understand, and offering treatments that failed to restore her health. Despite undergoing a heart ablation for atrial fibrillation, Joanne remained short of breath and increasingly frustrated, until she found Dr. Alvarez.

It turned out that Joanne had a commonly underdiagnosed condition in women—diastolic heart failure, a form of heart failure where the heart doesn’t relax properly. With the correct diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, Joanne felt relief within days. Her transformation from being nearly housebound to regaining her quality of life is a testament to the power of listening, advocating, and finding a provider who understands the nuances of women’s heart health.

This episode is a rallying call for women to trust their instincts, seek second opinions, and never settle for “it’s all in your head.” Joanne’s story reminds us that heart disease looks different in women—and that proper care begins with being seen and heard.

Most importantly, it encourages every woman to become the “CEO of her own health” — boldly advocating for her well-being, asking the hard questions, and never giving up until she finds the care she deserves.

The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. Each episode is designed to empower women to take control of their well-being and become the CEO of their own health.

In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with JoAnne Pisany, a vibrant and active woman whose quality of life was suddenly disrupted by unexplained shortness of breath. After being misdiagnosed and dismissed by multiple providers, JoAnne was left with no answers and a life she barely recognized—unable to walk her dog or participate in daily activities. Her story reveals how easily women’s heart symptoms can be overlooked or attributed to something else.

Despite undergoing a heart ablation for atrial fibrillation, JoAnne’s breathing problems persisted. It wasn’t until she met Dr. Alvarez that she was properly diagnosed with diastolic heart failure—a condition where the heart doesn’t relax properly, and one that is often underdiagnosed in women. With the right treatment and a doctor who listened, JoAnne got her life back within days.

This powerful episode underscores the importance of self-advocacy, being heard by your healthcare provider, and understanding that heart disease presents differently in women. JoAnne’s journey is a testament to perseverance and finding the right care—and a reminder that every woman deserves to be seen, believed, and treated with knowledge and empathy.

Most importantly, it encourages every woman to become the “CEO of her own health”—confidently leading the charge toward informed, proactive, and empowered wellness.

The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. Each episode is designed to empower women to take control of their well-being and become the CEO of their own health.

In this episode, Dr. Alvarez sits down with Diane Sinton, a woman whose quiet intuition may have saved her life. One morning, Diane simply “didn’t feel right.” With no obvious symptoms—no chest pain, no shortness of breath, no alarming signs—she decided to listen to that inner voice and make a doctor’s appointment. That decision led to a startling discovery: Diane was in the midst of a heart attack.

Although her initial EKG was normal, blood tests revealed elevated cardiac markers. Diane was urged to stop driving and call 911—but still felt so physically fine, she drove herself to the hospital. A cardiac catheterization the next day uncovered a 99% blockage in one of her coronary arteries.

Diane’s story is a compelling example of how heart disease in women often defies textbook symptoms. Her experience underscores the life-saving power of self-awareness and the importance of not dismissing even vague signs that something might be off.

This episode shines a light on why women must speak up, trust their instincts, and push for answers—even when their symptoms are subtle or unclear. It’s a powerful reminder that feeling “not quite right” might be the only signal your heart gives you. Most importantly, it encourages every woman to become the CEO of her own health—leading with courage, clarity, and confidence toward proactive, informed care.