The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode empowers women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Deb Townsend, a nurse who shares her complex journey with unexplained heart palpitations and fainting episodes. Despite an early diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), Deb’s symptoms persisted unpredictably, often triggered by heat or exertion and sometimes occurring even at rest.

Frustrated by the impact on her quality of life, Deb continued to seek answers, ultimately undergoing a tilt table test that revealed her episodes were due to dramatic drops in blood pressure, exacerbated by medication. With this new understanding, her care team adjusted her treatment plan—removing the medication, focusing on hydration, and introducing supportive strategies—which allowed Deb to regain her confidence and return to the active lifestyle she loves.

Deb’s story highlights the importance of persistence, listening to your body, and not settling for incomplete answers. She encourages women to keep seeking help, trust their instincts, and advocate for the right care until they find solutions that restore their well-being.

The podcast inspires women to become the “CEO of their own health” by sharing real-life stories that demonstrate the power of self-advocacy and resilience. Listeners are encouraged to speak up, pursue answers, and seek providers who respect and support their journey toward better health.