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

What if the symptoms of heart disease are present, but the usual suspects aren't to blame? This intriguing question sets the stage for my conversation with Dr. Samit Shah, as we dive into the complex world of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). Dr. Shah shares his groundbreaking work on invasive coronary function testing, a crucial development in the past decade that helps us understand symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath without coronary blockages. DISCOVER ANOCA program is creating standardized protocols for provocative testing, ensuring that patients receive precise diagnoses and effective care.

Our discussion takes a closer look at the nuanced challenges of diagnosing and treating myocardial bridging, vasospasm, and microvascular dysfunction. With a compelling case study, we illustrate how provocative testing can identify the root causes of symptoms, leading to non-surgical treatment paths. Dr. Shah introduces the Discover Inoka study, which standardizes the use of intravascular imaging for myocardial bridges. By establishing these testing protocols, the medical community is better equipped to treat such conditions with newfound enthusiasm.

As we wrap the conversation, we confront the ongoing challenges and future opportunities in making provocative testing widely accessible. The importance of understanding conditions before major interventions and the role of the Microvascular Network in connecting patients to specialized care are emphasized. We also spotlight advancements in studying myocardial bridging, where surgical unroofing is now tracked in clinical trials, offering unprecedented insights into patient outcomes and enhancing cardiac care. Dr. Shah's insights are driving forward a crucial conversation on improving diagnoses and offering hope to patients with challenging cardiac conditions.

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Discover ANOCA Clinical Trial Overview

(08:41) Advance in Diagnosis and Treatment

(14:07) Improving Access to Provocative Testing

(27:24) Myocardial Bridging Clinical Trial Outcomes

Discover INOCA clinical trials application and information is available HERE.

For more information about myocardial bridging and microvascular testing, visit the microvascular network, HERE

White paper on chest pain. American Heart Assoc

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001029

https://www.microvascularnetwork.com/

https://www.jscai.org/article/S2772-9303(24)01512-6/fulltext

https://www.jscai.org/article/S2772-9303(25)01048-8/fulltext

What happens when a fit and active lifestyle is interrupted by an unexpected health condition? Join me as I explore the profound journey of Mark Davis, one of my most dear friends, as he discovers something he, nor I, would have ever expected or suspected he might have — a myocardial bridge. Clearly MB’s can affect anyone, regardless of their health, race gender or ethnicity. Experience the emotional highs and lows Mark encounters while seeking a diagnosis. Together, we’ll unpack the frustrating reality of navigating a medical maze, where clear answers feel elusive and symptoms persist despite being told his heart was healthy. Many of you are familiar with this journey. This crazy narrative underscores the importance of resilience and determination in the face of medical uncertainty.

Here’s a chance to learn about the critical role of community and support systems in overcoming health challenges. Mark shares his personal story, highlighting the comfort and strength he found in close friendships and online communities. Discover the power of connecting with others who understand and share similar experiences, especially when facing a condition that’s often under-recognized in the medical world. This episode brings hope and inspiration, as Mark expresses gratitude for the unwavering support he’s received and offers insights into how persistence and self-advocacy can pave the way for better health outcomes. We’ll continue Mark’s journey as he progresses to his provocative testing and eventual choice of what his medical decision will be.

IMPERFECT HEART: STORIES OF MYOCARDIAL BRIDGES… THE BOOK! You can now find it on amazon by clicking on the link HERE. Share it with your doctor, your cardiologist or anyone interested in learning a little more about our condition. I hope you can use it to your advantage to get the story told that Myocardial Bridges are real and they do cause symptoms. Let’s use the book as a tool to educate, inform and provide hope. Thanks!

This is an encore episode released previously in February of last year. Due to its popularity and the incredible journey of my guest, Kelly Portillo, not to mention the value of faith in many of the conversations had with patients, it seemed appropriate to post again. Certainty removes any semblance of doubt and without doubt, there is no reason for faith. Our condition is anything but certain, we and everyone supporting us are filled with doubt and fear and that means there’s a great big opening for faith. Discover how Kelly Portillo practiced her faith successfully.

Discover the power of perseverance and the importance of advocating for your own health as we share Kelly’s captivating story, an individual who transformed her struggle with undiagnosed heart issues into a journey of self-discovery and medical triumph. At the young age of 13, Kelly’s life took a dramatic turn in a karate class when she first experienced symptoms that would lead her on a path filled with challenges, misdiagnoses, and a relentless pursuit for answers. Her experiences shed light on the complexities of navigating the healthcare system and the courage it takes to stand up for oneself when faced with skepticism from professionals who should be allies.

Feel the frustration and eventual elation as Kelly, undeterred by failed multiple ablasions, discovers and then connects with the expertise at Stanford to tackle her condition head-on. Her story is not just about the physical ailment of supraventricular tachycardia and a myocardial bridge but also about the emotional battle with it all, including the insurance companies, the exhausting appeals, and the sweet success of validation. Kelly’s journey highlights the critical role of patient advocacy and the difference it can make in receiving proper care, offering hope and guidance for those who may find themselves in similar, overwhelming situations.

Her constant and consistent belief in her faith and her fortitude, would yield incredible transformation from living with decades of pain to now embracing an active lifestyle post-unroofing surgery. Her narrative not only provides solace but also inspires; there is hope if you’re suffering from a myocardial bridge and with the right support and determination, a quality life after years of furstration, is more than just possible—it’s within reach.

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For more information, visit www.myimperfectheart.com. If you would like to participate and share your story on the program, you can email me at jeff@hearmenowstudio.com. If you would like to ask a question and have it played or answered on the program, you can leave me an audio message via DM on the facebook group page. Thank you.

Enduring the tumultuous journey of heart condition diagnosis and treatment led me, Jeff Holden, to realize the profound need for a supportive community and reliable information. Reflecting on my own experiences, from the initial confusion and misdiagnosis to the breakthrough testing and subsequent surgery at Stanford, I’ve been driven to share insights that can empower others in similar situations. This episode marks a significant milestone with the release of my new book, Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, a tangible resource aimed at providing solace and understanding to those who prefer something beyond digital content. Through patient stories and expert interviews, I’ve assembled a wealth of knowledge that addresses the myriad challenges faced by patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.

Together with the relentless dedication of our Facebook group participants, the administrators, Rob and Stephanie, and the rest of the team, our community has flourished, expanding from 1,200 to over 2,600 members in just two years. This growth underscores our collective mission to raise awareness and foster understanding of heart conditions. It also emphasizes the need for a book as well. My hope is that this book will serve as an invaluable tool not only for individuals grappling with their diagnosis but also for medical professionals who need a deeper grasp of patient experiences. By sharing these narratives and insights, I aim to reach those who aren’t digitally inclined and provide a cornerstone of support that bridges gaps in communication and knowledge across all fronts. Now we finally have… a book, the book, my book.

Get your copy of Imperfect Heart:Stories of Myocardial Bridges HERE.

Jennifer Shetler never imagined that a routine run would lead her from the role of a healthcare professional to that of a heart patient. Yet, an unexpected bout of chest pain during her daily jog turned her world upside down, prompting her to reassess her perceptions of health. Join us as Jennifer shares her deeply personal journey through the complexities of cardiac care, from initial missteps in diagnosis to the eventual discovery of a myocardial bridge. Her story emphasizes the unpredictable nature of heart conditions, particularly for athletes, and sheds light on the unique ways these issues present in women.

As we navigate Jen’s experiences, we highlight the critical steps in diagnosing and managing cardiac conditions, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive testing. Her narrative underscores the challenges faced when outward appearances of health mask underlying problems, and how persistence in seeking advanced imaging can be life-saving. She candidly shares her decision-making process surrounding surgical options, the role of community support, and her reliance on a network of friends and run club members in overcoming her health crisis.

The episode also explores the emotional and physical journey of recovery following cardiac surgery. Jennifer offers insights into building a strong support system and the power of patient advocacy in securing necessary care. Through her story, listeners are reminded of the importance of listening to their bodies and advocating for themselves within the healthcare system. Jennifer’s transformation from heart nurse to heart patient serves as a poignant reminder of the value of resilience, knowledge, and community in navigating life’s unexpected trials. Her trust in care is clearly demonstrated knowing the track record of a cardio thoracic surgeon known for his skill in bypasses, not unroofing procedures. This should be a valuable understanding as it opens the door for so many more opportunities to be “unroofed” knowing the necessary content is available to teach and support a qualified surgeon to perform the sugery he or she has likely already experienced.