I AM YOU – Ep. 53 – FAQ #1: Symptoms & Diagnosis

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, navigate stress, and take charge of their well-being. Dr. Alvarez’s mission is simple: to inspire every woman to become the CEO of their own health—with knowledge, confidence, and community.  

In this special FAQ-style episode, Dr. Alvarez answers the questions she hears most often in her clinic and from listeners—starting with the one that keeps women stuck for years: “Is this anxiety… or is it my heart?” She explains why the only responsible answer is evaluation—not assumptions—and why women should never accept, “It’s just in your head,” without first ruling out cardiac causes.  

With clarity and urgency, she covers:

•Anxiety vs. heart symptoms: why they can look identical, and what to do first  

•Palpitations when tests are “normal”: what rhythm testing actually means (EKG vs. monitors) and how to think about next steps  

•When palpitations may be hormonal: especially during perimenopause and menopause—and why that still deserves a proper workup  

•The truth about “classic” symptoms: why women’s warning signs are often mislabeled as “atypical,” and how that mindset costs lives  

•Testing that matters for women: what a stress test evaluates, why some modalities (including PET/CT) can be better for women, and the real-world insurance challenge  

This episode is a direct call-to-action: trust your body, insist on evaluation, and advocate for yourself as the CEO of your own health.  

For a powerful companion listen, Dr. Alvarez recommends Episode 50, where she and her sister break down how heart issues and anxiety/stress can blur together—and how to navigate that line safely.  

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