Navigating the intricate journey of living with a myocardial bridge is no small feat. This episode, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster of coping with myocardial bridges and stress the undeniable importance of patience, understanding, and self-advocacy. Heart procedures are anything but predictable, and while some, like the recently unroofed, find hope in successful outcomes, each person's path is uniquely challenging.

Let's continue to build a supportive network for those affected by myocardial bridges, underscoring the power of shared stories and experiences. No one should feel isolated on this path, and I encourage you to join the community of those who have shared their stories on the podcast. If you're aware of doctors that might make a great guest, please share their contact information with me as well. I'll connect with them. Strengthening our collective resolve through awareness, positivity, and gratitude we'll continue to push the pace of getting this disease recognized as symptomatic and life threatening. Together we can foster hope and understanding in our community.

You can email me directly at jeff@hearmenowstudio.com

You can find the interview with Dr. Ronald Hoffman on the "Intelligent Medicine" website HERE

Could you be one of the tens of thousands of people unknowingly living with a myocardial bridge? Or worse yet, knowingly living with the condition and not having it recognized as a potentially symptomatic, even life threatening, condition? My guest today is another local acquaintance. A friend of a friend. An unbelievably close association to yet another myocardial bridge patient. Janie Desmond Ison and I are going to unpack the startling statistic that while a quarter of the population may have myocardial bridges, only a small fraction are diagnosed as symptomatic. This episode challenges prevalent misconceptions, shares the journey of symptoms often dismissed, and highlights the power of awareness in seeking proper medical attention. Through her story, we aim to connect with those who might feel alone in their struggle and encourage them to pursue the support they need, knowing this is yet another example of the condition that may be similar to what you're facing.

Join us as we follow an individual's incredible journey from experiencing mild symptoms like shortness of breath and palpitations to receiving a life-changing diagnosis of a myocardial bridge and an uncommon solution. We discuss managing this condition amidst complications like low blood pressure and fatigue due to treatments from beta blockers. The narrative sheds light on navigating unexpected health issues and the emotional and physical challenges of making complex medical decisions. We emphasize the vital importance of trust in healthcare professionals and explore the paths available for effective management and recovery.

Our conversation also offers a hopeful glimpse into life after heart surgery, focusing on recovery's emotional and physical hurdles. The critical role of cardiac rehabilitation, peer support, and the need to reassess life priorities post-surgery are discussed. We celebrate advancements in surgical techniques and the necessity of advocating for one's heart health by staying vigilant about symptoms. By sharing these stories of resilience and recovery, we hope to inspire and reassure listeners facing similar challenges, highlighting the strength found in community and support networks.

For more information and details visit the website HERE

To purchase the book, "My Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges" find it at Amazon.com or in this link.

Chapter Summaries

(00:00) Myocardial Bridge Awareness and Discussion

Myocardial bridges are often undiagnosed, causing frustration and symptoms like shortness of breath and heart attack-like sensations.

(04:57) Journey With Myocardial Bridge Diagnosis

Personal journey of health challenges, diagnosis of myocardial bridge, managing condition with low blood pressure and fatigue.

(19:58) Navigating Post-Surgery Complications and Recovery

A heart surgery journey highlights the importance of clear communication, informed decision-making, and navigating post-operative challenges.

(35:02) Navigating Life After Heart Surgery

Emotional and physical challenges of heart surgery, importance of support and rehabilitation, and need for proactive health management.

(42:10) Advocating for Your Heart Health

Exploring heart surgery complexities, including myocardial bridges and evolving treatment options, and the importance of awareness and research.

(50:47) Sharing Stories of Heart Health

Acknowledging and addressing heart health issues, sharing personal experiences, and emphasizing the importance of being proactive.

Can myocardial bridges be more than just incidental findings in cardiac diagnostics? Join us as we unravel this complex topic with Dr. Khaled Ziada from the Cleveland Clinic. You'll gain a deep understanding of how myocardial bridges, often dismissed as non-significant, can impact blood flow, especially when factors like endothelial dysfunction and coronary spasms are involved. Listen in to discover the pivotal role of provocative testing in determining when surgical intervention is truly necessary.

We discuss the complex techniques utilized in identifying and evaluating myocardial bridges. From CT scans to angiograms and intravascular ultrasounds, Dr. Ziada walks us through the tools that help pinpoint these bridges with a degree of precision. He also elaborates on the use of dobutamine provocation to assess arterial compression and simulate stress conditions, which can reveal underlying ischemic issues. This comprehensive diagnostic approach is crucial for tailoring surgical and medical treatment strategies to the unique needs of each patient.

Finally, we explore the often-underestimated challenges of treating endothelial dysfunction and microvascular disease post-surgery. Dr. Ziada emphasizes the importance of personalized medical therapies and lifestyle interventions in managing these conditions effectively. We also get a glimpse of the exceptional care model at Cleveland Clinic, where patients receive tailored support, whether through virtual or in-person consultations. Collaboration is vital between patients and physicians to enhance quality of life and stability in managing these intricate cardiac conditions and I found Dr. Ziada to have wonderful sense of concern for the well-being of those he works with.

You can learn more about the Cleveland clinic HERE.

You can email Dr. Ziada directly at ziadaK@ccf.org

Chapters

(00:00) Myocardial Bridges and Surgery Considerations

(06:36) Identification and Evaluation of Myocardial Bridges

(16:35) Endothelial Dysfunction and Medical Treatment

(28:33) Microvascular Dysfunction and Treatment Options

(35:02) Microvascular Dysfunction and Patient Care