I AM YOU is hosted by Dr. Nitza I. Alvarez, MD, FACC — board-certified cardiologist, Women’s Heart Specialist, and bestselling author. Each episode shares real stories and expert insights to help women protect the heart that carries them through every stage of life — and step into their power as the CEO of their own health.
In this Ask the Heart Doctor-style episode, Dr. Alvarez tackles one of the most dismissed symptoms women bring to the ER and to their doctors: palpitations. If you’ve ever been told “your tests are normal” — or worse, “it’s just anxiety” — this episode reframes palpitations for what they often are: a signal, not a diagnosis, and not something to ignore.
Dr. Alvarez explains why palpitations are especially common during perimenopause and menopause, including data showing that at least 1 in 5 women in the menopause transition report palpitations — and in perimenopause, that number can rise above 40%.
With clarity and urgency, she breaks down:
•Why hormonal transition can trigger palpitations (and why women aren’t “overreacting”)
•Why a normal EKG isn’t the end of the story — it’s a snapshot that may miss what’s happening outside the exam room
•What proper evaluation should include:
•EKG + rhythm monitoring (Holter, extended monitors, patches) based on symptom frequency
•Why women are less likely to be referred for advanced testing — despite better outcomes with ambulatory monitoring
•When an implantable loop recorder may be appropriate (especially for sporadic or unresolved palpitations)
•Thyroid + iron studies, and when structural evaluation matters
This episode is a direct call-to-action: the most dangerous advice might be doing nothing. If palpitations are affecting your life, ask for a real workup — because women deserve answers, and becoming the CEO of your own health starts with taking your symptoms seriously.
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