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.