Episode 32: A Doctor’s Diagnostics & Research Lead a Myocardial Bridge Patient to “Unroofed” Success

#myocardialbridge #heartdisease #INOCA #healthcare #yalemedicine #hearthealth #heartattack #vasospasms #arrhythmia #chestpain #cardiachealth #research #symptoms #testing #cardiacrehab #podcast
(00:00) - Introduction
(03:00) - Discover INOCA Research Program Overview
(06:31) - Heart Condition Diagnosis and Treatment
(16:26) - Cardiac Recovery and Rehabilitation
(20:18) - Chronic Symptoms and Diagnostic Challenges
(27:59) - Patient-Doctor Relationship and Heart Research
Could your heart be sending distress signals that traditional tests can’t detect? Join me, Jeff Holden, for a revealing conversation with Dr. Samit Shah from Yale School of Medicine as he shares groundbreaking insights on the Discover INOCA research program. This multicenter study is pioneering the way we understand ischemia and non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA), focusing on elusive conditions like coronary microvascular dysfunction, myocardial bridging, and coronary vasospasm. Collaborating with institutions such as Stanford and Columbia University, this research aims to establish standardized protocols for better patient outcomes through advanced diagnostic techniques.
And meet David Tretter, a patient whose life took a dramatic turn due to severe heart arrhythmias. His journey from a terrifying heart arrhytmia that led to a game-changing diagnosis at Yale is nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Shaw and his team meticulously differentiated David’s myocardial bridge from his arrhythmias, using comprehensive tests like angiograms and provocative testing. Their collaborative effort underscores the importance of precision in diagnosis, ultimately leading to effective treatment and a significant improvement in David’s quality of life.
The road to recovery doesn’t end with diagnosis. Discover the transformative power of cardiac rehabilitation through David’s experience at Lawrence Memorial. Dr. Shaw emphasizes the critical role of cardiac rehab in helping patients regain physical fitness and confidence. The episode also ventures into the broader challenges of diagnosing persistent cardiac symptoms, advocating for continued innovation and collaboration in heart health research. This episode demonstrates the importance of patient-doctor relationships and the ongoing quest for better heart health solutions from today’s medical care teams.
To learn more about the clinical trials of Discover INOCA visit: medicine.yale.edu/ycci/trial/...
For more episodes and information about myocardial bridges visit www.myimperfectheart.com/
Episode Highlights
(00:08 - 00:48) Discover INOCA Research Program
(06:26 - 07:47) Identifying Myocardial Bridge
(11:10 - 12:24) Treatment Plan for Myocardial Bridge Symptoms
(15:48 - 17:43) Recovery Success After Surgery
(21:12 - 22:34) Advantages of CAT Scans in Diagnosis
(27:59 - 29:15) The Challenge of Diagnosing Myocardial Bridges

[@joannemacdonald5400]

Thank you for this informative & helpful video. I recently learned that I have a myocardial bridge, insufficient valve function & an enlarged chamber (with no blockages). I also have high LDL, in spite of a healthy, low-carb diet & regular, vigorous daily excercise. On numerous occasions I experienced chest pain, shortness of breath, & irregular heartbeat. My stress test results have been normal, but I live in fear of keeling over with a heart attack. What can I do to alleviate my symptoms? My cardiologist wants to "investigate" for an autoimmune disease, but I believe my symptoms are solely due to the myocardial bridge & leaky valve.

[@imperfectheartpodcast7944]

Joanne, in my humble opinion I'm going to suggest you trust your gut. I'm not sure of your location but I would find a doctor that can properly address the bridge, get you the proper CT scan to identify the significance of the bridge and theb go from there. You may even want to apply to Dr. Shah's clinical trial. He does have hospitals around the country that are participating. Pls keep me posted on your progress. I am currently speaking with another gentleman that has high cholesterol, no blockages, a significant bridge that is causing shortness of breath, arrhythmias and angina under stress. He just completed his provocative testing and is now headed for scheduling of his surgery and he couldn't be more excited as he, and his medical team are 100% convinced it's the bridge. (Hes in the Philadelphia area and his hospital is also participating in Dr Shah's clinical trial program, although he is not.) Stay positive and keep pushing your providers to get you where you need to be and feel free to share the podcast with them as well. We're getting enough doctors in there that are well recognized names and it should influence any doubters. I can certainly appreciate your concerns about a heart attack but you're doing what you need to do.