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 Barb Easlick, a vibrant and active woman whose life was turned upside down after a bout with COVID left her struggling to breathe and robbed her of the energy she once thrived on.

Barb’s journey is one of resilience and self-advocacy. Despite being told by multiple doctors that her lungs were fine and her heart was healthy, Barb knew something wasn’t right. Test after test came back “normal,” yet she continued to experience debilitating shortness of breath and fatigue. Frustrated but undeterred, Barb refused to settle for a diagnosis that didn’t match how she felt.

Her persistence led her to Dr. Alvarez, who looked beyond the standard metrics and recognized the signs of microvascular heart disease—a condition often missed in women due to limitations in traditional testing. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, Barb was finally able to reclaim her health, energy, and independence.

This episode is a powerful reminder that women’s symptoms are too often dismissed or misdiagnosed—and that trusting your instincts can be life-saving. Barb’s story highlights the importance of not giving up, seeking second opinions, and insisting on being heard. Most of all, it inspires every woman to become the CEO of her own health, leading with strength, awareness, and determination on the path to 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 her own health. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Jeanie Hendricks, an 84-year-old powerhouse whose unexpected medical journey revealed far more than she imagined. What began as routine back surgery turned into a cascade of surprising discoveries: three mini strokes, a hole in her heart, and a brain tumor—all uncovered without prior symptoms.

Instead of retreating in fear, Jeanie chose action. With determination, optimism, and her signature humor, she faced each diagnosis step by step and surrounded herself with the right medical team. Her story is a powerful example of how critical it is to pay attention, ask questions, and follow through—even when nothing seems wrong.

This episode highlights the importance of self-advocacy, persistence, and trusting your instincts. Jeanie’s story encourages women not to ignore their bodies, not to accept incomplete answers, and to pursue the care they deserve. Her vibrant, active lifestyle at 84 is a testament to the long-term benefits of investing in health early and often.

Most of all, Jeanie reminds us that it’s never too late for a woman to become the CEO of her own health—and live each day with courage, clarity, and joy.

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 speak up, advocate for themselves, and become the CEO of their own health. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Mary Lou Morrissey, a vibrant woman whose persistent shortness of breath was repeatedly dismissed by her previous providers—until she sought a second opinion that changed her life.

Despite being under the care of a cardiologist and pulmonologist, Mary Lou’s symptoms continued to worsen. Her limitations were clear: walking, cooking, even doing the dishes left her breathless. Dismissed as aging or related to COPD, her concerns were never fully addressed—until a friend encouraged her to see Dr. Alvarez. Together, they uncovered the real issue: diastolic heart failure, a commonly overlooked condition in women.

Through a reevaluation of her medications and the use of a non-invasive therapy called EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation), Mary Lou experienced a dramatic improvement in her quality of life. Once tethered by breathlessness, she regained her independence and vitality, crediting the personalized approach and deeper diagnostic insight.

This episode sheds light on the subtle signs of heart disease in women, the misdiagnosis of common symptoms, and the life-changing power of listening, advocacy, and advanced therapy options like EECP. Mary Lou’s story is a testament to the importance of not settling for incomplete answers—and a powerful reminder that every woman deserves a provider who sees her, hears her, and helps her reclaim her health.

Most importantly, it inspires women everywhere to become the CEO of their own health—asking questions, seeking clarity, and taking control of their journey toward empowered, informed 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 speaks with Barbara Canty, an active and health-conscious woman who sought a second opinion about managing her cholesterol. With no symptoms and a strong commitment to fitness and nutrition, Barbara simply wanted reassurance that she could avoid medication—until a routine stress test revealed a hidden and serious heart condition.

When Barbara experienced subtle signs during the test—an ache between her shoulder blades and mild lightheadedness—she trusted her instincts and spoke up. That moment led to further testing and the discovery of a significant artery blockage requiring immediate treatment. Barbara’s story is a powerful reminder that heart disease doesn’t always come with clear warning signs—and that even when you feel fine, it’s worth asking deeper questions and seeking clarity.

This episode highlights the importance of self-advocacy, early detection, and listening to your body. Barbara’s experience inspires women to challenge assumptions, get tested, and take an active role in their care. 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. 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.

The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. This empowering series shares real stories that inspire women to advocate for their health and become the CEO of their own well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Deb Gossell, a retired speech therapist and lifelong caregiver, who shares her personal journey of navigating unexplained fainting spells, initially dismissed as side effects from pain medication and alcohol. Despite living with atrial fibrillation and managing chronic pain, Deb knew something wasn’t right when she began suddenly passing out without warning—sometimes while simply standing up. Her persistence in seeking answers ultimately led to a diagnosis of dangerous heart pauses, captured through an implantable cardiac loop recorder. The result: urgent placement of a life-saving pacemaker.

Deb’s story is a powerful reminder of how easy it is for symptoms to be overlooked or misattributed, even by loved ones. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, questioning assumptions, and pushing for answers when something feels off. Deb also reflects on her years of advocating for others and the vital shift in learning to advocate for herself.

This episode reinforces a vital message: when it comes to your health, don’t minimize your concerns. Keep asking questions. Keep showing up. And never stop fighting for yourself.

The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Kimberly Bradford, who shares her proactive approach to heart health after a strong family history of heart disease. Despite feeling healthy and symptom-free, Kimberly sought early cardiac care at age 50, motivated by her father and grandfather’s heart conditions. Initial tests revealed early signs of coronary artery disease, leading her to adopt lifestyle changes and medical interventions. However, a follow-up CT angiogram five years later showed severe blockages, prompting urgent treatment and a stent placement.

Kimberly reflects on the importance of early detection, self-advocacy, and proactive healthcare decisions, emphasizing that heart disease doesn’t always present with symptoms. She highlights how her decision to prioritize regular screenings and challenge assumptions about her health ultimately saved her life.

The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Melissa Moore, who shares her experience of unknowingly living with heart disease for years after being misdiagnosed with allergies and anemia. Despite experiencing persistent shortness of breath, she never suspected a heart condition due to a lack of family history and misconceptions about heart disease affecting only older individuals.

Melissa reflects on how her demanding lifestyle and focus on work and caregiving caused her to deprioritize her health, a mistake many women make. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, regular check-ups, and advocating for one’s own health, especially for women in midlife.

The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.