“You’re Having One Healthy Baby”: The Arrogance of a Missed Twin Pregnancy
By Dr. Nitza Alvarez, MD, FACC for NITZAMD
Dismissed as a “Hypochondriac” at 18 How Deb Williams Learned to Stop Treating Doctors Like Gods
By Dr. Nitza Alvarez, MD, FACC for NITZAMD
Knowing Your Numbers: Ejection Fraction and Cardiovascular Ownership
When it comes to managing your heart, there is one critical phrase every woman needs to memorize: know your numbers. While we are taught to keep an eye on our cholesterol and blood pressure, very few women know their "ejection…
Behind the Eight Ball: Why You Must Challenge a Disappointing Prognosis
Imagine being 44 years old, suffering from a severely weakened heart, and being told by your specialist that there is nothing left to be done because your insurance denied a life-saving medical device. That is exactly what happened to Karin…
The Lifetime Risk of Preeclampsia: What Your OBGYN Might Not Tell You
When Karin McNeil was 19 years old and pregnant with her oldest son, she developed preeclampsia—a dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. She delivered her baby four weeks early, and a subsequent echocardiogram revealed she had been…
The “Flu” That Was Actually Heart Failure: Karin’s Warning Signs
At NitzaMD, we frequently speak with women who try to balance full-time careers, busy family lives, and civic duties while ignoring their own bodies. In 2018, at just 40 years old, Karin McNeil thought she was simply coming down with…
Becoming the CEO of Your Health: Jodi’s Advocacy Checklist
Jodi admits she used to be angry with herself for not seeking medical attention sooner. Today, she is a vibrant advocate for other women, reminding us that we have lived in our bodies our entire lives—we know when something is…
The “Worst Headache of My Life”: A Lesson in Timing
Jodi’s journey didn't end with her heart. While sitting by the pool, she experienced a sudden "blank stare" and a headache that felt like her head was "cracking in half." Initially told by a provider to just take a migraine…
When “Clear” Isn’t Enough: Understanding Coronary Spasms
One of the most confusing moments in a woman’s cardiac journey is being told her tests are "normal" while she still feels unwell. When Jodi was rushed to the hospital in Lake County, her angiogram showed something unexpected: no blockages…
Heart Disease Doesn’t Have a Face: Jodi’s Story
At NitzaMD, we often say that heart disease doesn’t discriminate, but many women still believe it only happens to "older" people or those who "look" like cardiac patients. Jodi Harter was in her early 40s—active, young, and by all accounts,…