I AM YOU is hosted by Nitza I. Alvarez, MD, FACC — board-certified cardiologist, Women’s Heart Specialist, and bestselling author. Each episode shares real stories and expert insights that help women understand their unique heart health, manage stress, and take charge of their well-being. Dr. Alvarez’s mission is simple: to inspire every woman to become the CEO of her own health—with knowledge, confidence, and community.

In this episode, Dr. Alvarez explains why she created this podcast—and why it’s urgently needed. Despite medical advances, women remain under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated when it comes to heart disease, which is still the #1 killer of women. Even more concerning: awareness of this fact has been declining over the past decade.

Dr. Alvarez breaks down how women’s hearts are different from men’s—and how that impacts the way symptoms appear, how diagnoses are made, and which treatments work best. She emphasizes that up to 80% of heart disease is preventable, and that women must learn to advocate for themselves, especially in a medical system that still often treats them like “little men.”

With clarity and compassion, Dr. Alvarez explains:

• Why heart disease is different for women
• How to communicate more effectively with your healthcare provider
• What tests and symptoms to ask about
• How to recognize and resist medical gaslighting
• And most importantly, how to become your own best advocate

This episode is a powerful call-to-action for every woman to step into her role as the CEO of her own health—armed with science, self-awareness, and the strength of a supportive community.

Listen in. Share it with the women you love. And join the movement to change how women experience heart health.

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