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.

The I Am You podcast 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 Vickie Woods, a vibrant woman whose story reveals the life-threatening consequences of being misdiagnosed—and the power of persistence and second opinions.

Vickie initially sought care for shoulder pain and indigestion. Although her heart enzymes were dangerously elevated, her coronary angiogram showed no blockages, and she was told everything was fine. She was discharged with no treatment—only to suffer a second, more severe heart attack a month later. This time, she demanded answers and was referred to Dr. Alvarez, who diagnosed her with a little-known but serious condition called MINOCA: myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries.

Vickie’s story is a sobering example of how women’s heart disease can present differently and be dangerously overlooked. It emphasizes the need for women to listen to their bodies, question vague reassurances, and advocate for their health. Through proper diagnosis and treatment, Vickie reclaimed her life—and now shares her story to help save others.

This episode is a call to action for all women to trust their intuition, pursue answers, and become the CEO of their own health—because knowing the truth can be lifesaving.

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 Gaythel Fisher, a woman whose lifelong commitment to her health played a crucial role in uncovering a serious but treatable heart condition. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10, Gaythel was no stranger to regular medical care. It was during one of these routine visits in her early 50s that her doctor detected a previously unheard heart murmur—setting in motion a journey of proactive monitoring and eventual surgical intervention.

Gaythel was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition—bicuspid aortic valve with stenosis—that required open-heart surgery. Thanks to her consistent care and her doctors’ attentiveness, the condition was identified early and treated before it became life-threatening. Her only warning signs were subtle: shortness of breath while walking upstairs or taking a shower. These everyday symptoms, often dismissed, turned out to be critical indicators of a serious cardiac issue.

This episode is a powerful reminder that early detection and trusting your instincts can be lifesaving. Gaythel’s story reinforces the importance of regular checkups, seeking second opinions, and finding a healthcare provider who truly listens. Most importantly, it encourages every woman to take ownership of her well-being and become the “CEO of her own health”—by asking questions, taking action, and never settling for less than excellent care.

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 Kathleen LaBernz, a vibrant and proactive woman whose journey with heart health began in her teens. Discovered during a routine job physical, Kathleen’s heart murmur turned out to be a congenital condition known as bicuspid aortic valve—a silent issue she lived with for decades while leading an active and full life.

Despite having no symptoms, Kathleen remained committed to routine care and sought second opinions as her condition progressed. Her diligence and self-advocacy ultimately led to life-saving open-heart surgery and the placement of a pacemaker. Her story highlights how being informed, asking questions, and engaging with your care team can lead to the best outcomes—even when you feel perfectly fine.

This episode is a powerful reminder that heart disease can begin early and may not always come with clear symptoms. Kathleen’s experience emphasizes the importance of early detection, regular checkups, and never waiting until something feels wrong. Most of all, it reminds women everywhere to be their own best advocates and become the “CEO of their own health”—leading with courage, clarity, and conviction.

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 Dale Dreps, a vibrant and committed health advocate who turned her family history of heart disease into motivation to take charge of her health—long before symptoms ever appeared.

Dale’s story is a powerful example of how prevention, persistence, and partnership with the right healthcare provider can change the course of a woman’s life. After losing her father to a heart attack at the same age she was approaching, Dale made it a priority to establish a cardiac baseline. That decision proved essential when she later experienced an episode of rapid heart rate—an event that was addressed quickly and confidently thanks to her existing care plan with Dr. Alvarez.

Dale shares how she navigated pressure from other doctors to take medications that didn’t feel right for her—and instead worked with Dr. Alvarez to explore lifestyle changes, monitor progress with patience, and reduce her medications safely. Her commitment to wellness, from eating clean to regular exercise (and yes, lentils!), not only improved her numbers but aligned with who she is at her core.

This episode underscores the value of advocating for yourself, asking questions, and finding a provider who will truly partner with you. Dale’s journey is an inspiration to any woman who wants to avoid unnecessary prescriptions, prioritize quality of life, and most importantly, become the “CEO of her own health.”

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 Denise Ramon, a resilient woman who first came to her with a simple goal: to better manage her high blood pressure. But what began as a routine consultation turned into a powerful partnership in proactive care.

Over the years, Denise not only faced the challenges of controlling her blood pressure but also battled breast cancer—twice. With every step, she leaned into her care team and embraced a proactive mindset. Denise recognized that her cancer treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy, carried long-term risks for her heart health. Rather than wait for symptoms to appear, she stayed informed, asked questions, and took charge of her health journey.

Denise’s story is a heartfelt reminder that prevention and vigilance can make all the difference. She speaks candidly about the emotional toll of a second cancer diagnosis, the fear of treatment side effects, and the importance of having a medical team that listens and truly cares. Her experience underscores the often-overlooked connection between cancer treatments and cardiovascular disease—especially in postmenopausal women—and why continued heart monitoring is vital for long-term health.

This episode highlights the power of early intervention, informed advocacy, and building a trusted relationship with your providers. Denise’s journey will inspire women to prioritize their hearts, speak up, and become the “CEO of their own health”—living with intention, strength, and confidence.