I AM YOU

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 powerful and eye-opening episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Sherry Jutkofsky, a dedicated teacher, wife, and mother whose unexpected heart health journey began with what seemed like routine fatigue and nausea. At just 52 years old, Sherry dismissed her symptoms as menopause or anxiety—until a visit to the ER revealed a dangerously high heart rate and a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Sherry candidly shares how her experience navigating a dismissive medical encounter with a male cardiologist led her to seek out a female heart specialist who truly listened. Her story reveals the critical gap in how women are treated for heart rhythm disorders and the life-changing impact of advocating for better care—including eventually choosing an ablation procedure that restored her quality of life.

This episode dives deep into the hidden cardiovascular risks tied to menopause, the importance of recognizing non-traditional symptoms like nausea, and why women must stop putting their health on the back burner.

Most importantly, it’s a reminder that becoming the CEO of your own health isn’t just about taking action—it’s about knowing your worth, asking the right questions, and refusing to settle for less than the care you deserve.

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 special episode, Dr. Alvarez shifts the focus inward, sharing the personal mission and purpose behind I Am You. She opens up about her journey as a cardiologist, wife, and mother, and why she is so passionate about advocating for women’s heart health.

Dr. Alvarez discusses the stark reality that heart disease remains the number one killer of women—claiming 300,000 lives each year—yet 80% of these deaths are preventable. She explains how women are often under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated, and how this podcast exists to close that gap by giving women the tools they need to advocate for themselves.

This episode highlights why women must understand that their hearts—and their health—are different. Dr. Alvarez shares how to recognize unique risk factors, ask the right questions, and avoid being dismissed or “gaslighted” in medical settings. Most importantly, she inspires every listener to step into the role of CEO of their own health, equipped with knowledge, confidence, and the power to change their future.

Tune in to learn not just what I Am You is about, but why it matters—and how it can help save your life, your mother’s life, your sister’s life, and the lives of women you love

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 Sherry Stewart, a 70-year-old woman whose determination to keep working full-time nearly masked a life-threatening condition. Sherry initially attributed her fatigue, back pain, and chest discomfort to stress, age, weight, and even a past car accident. For weeks she sought relief from her chiropractor, convinced her symptoms weren’t serious. But persistent pain between her shoulder blades, rising blood pressure, and an abnormal EKG signaled something more.

What began as denial turned into a journey that led Sherry to Dr. Alvarez’s office—where testing revealed major blockages in her arteries. Left untreated, these blockages could have resulted in a fatal heart attack. Instead, Sherry’s decision to listen, get answers, and accept treatment gave her a new lease on life. Today, she feels “ten years younger” and is grateful for the chance to continue her ministry and passion for serving others.

Sherry’s story is a powerful reminder that women’s heart disease symptoms often present differently than men’s and can easily be mistaken for stress, aging, or weight issues. This conversation underscores the importance of recognizing subtle warning signs, refusing to dismiss discomfort, and advocating for your health until you find real answers.

This episode highlights why every woman must take heart health seriously and become the “CEO of her own health”—leading with awareness, persistence, and proactive care to protect both quality and length of life 

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 Barbie Strome, a woman whose persistence and self-advocacy saved her life. For years, Barbie experienced flutters, adrenaline-like rushes, and unexplained symptoms. When she sought help, her concerns were dismissed with a superficial exam and a quick, inaccurate diagnosis—told it was “neurological” and offered statins, without a thorough evaluation.

Unwilling to accept answers that didn’t make sense, Barbie kept searching. Thanks to a friend’s referral, she eventually connected with Dr. Alvarez. This time, she was heard. Through comprehensive testing—including a coronary angiogram—serious blockages were discovered. One was immediately treated, while another could be managed closely going forward.

Barbie’s journey reveals how too often women are overlooked, misdiagnosed, or dismissed in the healthcare system. Her determination to keep pushing until she found answers is a powerful reminder that you know your body best.

This episode highlights the importance of listening to your instincts, refusing to settle for incomplete explanations, and seeking out providers who truly see and hear you. 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 speaks with Sophia Dexel, a woman in her mid-40s who battled years of misdiagnosis, frustration, and dismissal by multiple providers. Despite repeated ER visits, worsening chest pain, and unstable blood pressure, Sophia was told time and again that “everything looked normal.” The constant dismissal left her doubting herself—until she finally found answers.

With persistence, the support of her husband, and the right cardiologist, Sophia discovered she had microvascular disease (ANOCA—angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries). Once properly diagnosed, her treatment changed her life—lifting the fatigue, chest pain, and hopelessness she had been enduring.

This episode highlights the dangers of medical gaslighting, the importance of listening to your body, and why women—especially women of color and those in perimenopause—must continue to advocate for themselves. Sophia’s story is a powerful reminder that heart disease doesn’t discriminate by age and that the right provider can change everything.

Most importantly, it encourages every woman to step up as the CEO of her own health—to challenge assumptions, seek answers, and never settle when something doesn’t feel right. 

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 Julie Modercin, a long-time patient whose journey from caregiver to cardiac patient reveals the often-overlooked dangers women face when they downplay their symptoms. Julie’s story begins as she accompanies her husband—himself a heart attack survivor under Dr. Alvarez’s care—and evolves into a personal journey of self-advocacy and medical vigilance.

Julie opens up about her repeated experiences with pulmonary embolisms, a potentially fatal condition she initially dismissed as leg cramps or fatigue. Through honest reflection, she recounts how her role as a busy professional, wife, and mother led her to ignore symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath—not once, but multiple times. Even when pain struck during a trip to buy lamps, she resisted going to the hospital. Her husband insisted, and it likely saved her life.

Julie’s episode is a heartfelt reminder that chest pain and shortness of breath aren’t always signs of a heart attack—but they’re always signs to get checked. She highlights the importance of building a trustworthy healthcare team, asking questions, and making time for preventive care—even when life feels too full to stop.

This episode underscores a crucial truth: women must not delay care or deprioritize their health for the sake of others. Julie’s story is a powerful call to action to listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and unapologetically become the CEO of your 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 welcomes Susan Spargo, a vibrant woman who, at 55 years old, began experiencing persistent chest pain. Despite multiple normal test results, Susan trusted her body and continued to advocate for herself—ultimately uncovering a hidden, woman-specific cardiovascular condition that would have otherwise gone undiagnosed.

Susan’s journey highlights the critical gaps in traditional cardiac testing, which is often designed for male physiology and overlooks the unique ways heart disease presents in women. From insurance denials to misunderstood symptoms, her experience is a powerful example of what happens when women speak up, push for answers, and find doctors who listen.

Listeners will learn how Susan’s family history, resilience, and intuition helped her navigate misdiagnosis and ultimately gain control of her heart health. The episode also explores how stress tests and diagnostic tools must evolve to reflect female-specific disease patterns—and why women should never settle when something feels wrong.

This episode is a moving reminder that even when the tests say “normal,” your body may be saying otherwise. Susan’s story encourages women everywhere to listen to their instincts, know their risk factors, and keep seeking the care they deserve.

Most importantly, it reinforces the podcast’s mission: every woman should be empowered to become the CEO of her own health—asking questions, trusting her voice, and taking the lead on her journey 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 their own health.

In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Anna Uhde, a proactive and health-conscious woman who learned firsthand the importance of preventive care and advocating for her own health. Growing up with a family history of heart disease, Anna made it her mission to stay informed and prioritize regular checkups—even when she felt perfectly fine. Her journey highlights the value of seeking specialists, asking questions, and building strong, trust-based relationships with doctors who listen.

Together, Dr. Alvarez and Anna discuss why prevention is critical, how early detection can save lives, and why women should never wait for symptoms before getting tested. They also explore the importance of understanding personal risk factors, including menopause and hysterectomy-related hormonal changes, and how these impact heart health.

Anna’s story is a powerful reminder that maintaining your health requires more than reacting to problems—it’s about taking charge before they arise. This episode encourages every woman to ask the right questions, stay informed, and become the CEO of her own health by leading the conversation about her well-being with confidence and clarity.

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 69-year-old Marianne Binkowski, whose journey underscores the life-saving power of acting on early warnings and listening to your body. Initially referred by her primary care physician due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking history, and other risk factors, Marianne underwent testing that revealed significant plaque in her coronary arteries—yet no immediate blockages. With a plan to quit smoking and manage her health, she seemed on track—until a month later, a Zumba class left her breathless, weak, and in the throes of a heart attack.

Thanks to her quick recognition of symptoms, a neighbor’s swift action, and emergency intervention, Marianne survived. She quit smoking after 50 years, regained her strength, and returned to an active lifestyle. Her story is a powerful reminder that even “normal” test results don’t guarantee safety—and that women must advocate for themselves, trust their instincts, and make changes before it’s too late.

This episode highlights the importance of knowing your risk factors, not dismissing subtle warning signs, and prioritizing your own well-being. Marianne’s experience inspires women to take charge, make bold health decisions, and truly become the CEO of their 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 speaks with Joan McLaughlin, a proactive woman who sought a heart check-up due to her family history of cardiovascular disease—despite having no obvious symptoms. What she didn’t realize was that the discomfort between her shoulder blades, which she had dismissed for over a year, was actually a common but underrecognized sign of heart disease in women.

Joan shares how this symptom, combined with her advocacy for herself and her understanding of her body, led to a diagnosis and treatment that helped her avoid more serious complications. From questioning medications after a knee surgery to prompting a reevaluation of her heart symptoms, Joan exemplifies the power of speaking up and trusting your instincts.

This episode is a compelling reminder that heart disease symptoms in women can be subtle, easily dismissed, or misattributed to unrelated issues. Joan’s journey highlights the importance of early detection, self-advocacy, and not settling for vague answers.

Her story will inspire you to tune into your body, ask the right questions, and take charge of your well-being. Most importantly, it encourages every woman to become the CEO of her own health—fearlessly leading the way to informed, proactive, and empowered care.