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.