I AM YOU – Ep 42 - When Listening Saves Your Heart

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 speaks with Denise Quinn, a woman whose experience reveals one of the most overlooked realities in women’s heart health — that you can have a heart attack with clear arteries. Denise opens up about her diagnosis of MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries), a condition that affects many women, especially after menopause, yet often goes unrecognized or untreated.

Her journey began with mild palpitations — nothing that seemed alarming — until one morning, she woke up with crushing chest pain and knew it was time to call 911. Though hospital tests showed “clean” arteries, her troponin levels told another story: there had been real damage to her heart. It was only through proper follow-up and education that Denise learned the truth about her condition — and how close she came to missing life-saving care.

Together, Dr. Alvarez and Denise explore how heart disease in women often looks different, why traditional tests like EKGs can miss the full picture, and how proactive evaluation and treatment can prevent tragedy. Denise’s story is a powerful reminder that listening to your body and asking the right questions can truly save your life.

This episode reinforces the importance of self-advocacy, preventive care, and partnership with healthcare providers who understand women’s unique needs. Most of all, it’s an empowering message for every woman: don’t wait for symptoms to get answers — become the CEO of your own health today.