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 speaks with JoAnne Pisany, a vibrant and active woman whose quality of life was suddenly disrupted by unexplained shortness of breath. After being misdiagnosed and dismissed by multiple providers, JoAnne was left with no answers and a life she barely recognized—unable to walk her dog or participate in daily activities. Her story reveals how easily women’s heart symptoms can be overlooked or attributed to something else.
Despite undergoing a heart ablation for atrial fibrillation, JoAnne’s breathing problems persisted. It wasn’t until she met Dr. Alvarez that she was properly diagnosed with diastolic heart failure—a condition where the heart doesn’t relax properly, and one that is often underdiagnosed in women. With the right treatment and a doctor who listened, JoAnne got her life back within days.
This powerful episode underscores the importance of self-advocacy, being heard by your healthcare provider, and understanding that heart disease presents differently in women. JoAnne’s journey is a testament to perseverance and finding the right care—and a reminder that every woman deserves to be seen, believed, and treated with knowledge and empathy.
Most importantly, it encourages every woman to become the “CEO of her own health”—confidently leading the charge toward informed, proactive, and empowered wellness.
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