Current Postings on This Page (72):

• I last posted May 2011. I'm a female 41y.o. I was having severe MB symptoms. The constant, unrelenting, daily episodes of chest/back tightness, pressure and chest pain were taking it's toll. I could no longer walk much, go to the store or exercise without pain or symptoms. My Cardiologist at Stanford (Dr. Jennifer Tremmel) ran additional specialized diagnostic testing and it was determined that the MB was causing my problems. I was referred to Stanford CT surgeon Dr. Michael Fischbein and had surgery on 11/30/11. My MB was un-roofed. Dr. Fischbein is an EXCELLENT surgeon and person. Superb bedside manner and highly skilled. I feel so much better! The constant episodes of chest & back tightness & pressure are gone. I can run errands with no cardiac setbacks. I can sleep on my back again. The doctors & staff are amazing. I was recently featured on a Stanford video interview. You can Google "Reyna Robles Stanford Women's Heart Health" and see a video/article on my story. I post this because I want to help others suffering with MB symptoms. I was in your shoes. Prior to surgery, it was a very difficult time for me. Thank goodness my cardiologist recognized the problem & helped me.
Swissdots, San Jose, California, USA, January 28, 2012

• More on Schnittger/Robbins option - thought i would add a little more on what brought us to Stanford/surgical option: husband had been symptomatic since 2004 with heart attack visits to the ER then diagnosed as panic attacks - recently April 2011 distinct pressure, shooting pains, inability to run/walk, dizzy spells when at rest and generally inability to interact with our children and life without anxiety. Work was suffering. Pre-Stanford went to a local hospital norcal for diagnosis [stress tests/ultrasounds etc] next step was angio. Decided if anything was going into the heart it would be at centre of medical excellence -- chose Stanford based on family history. Husband was irritated as all tests had to be redone and interpreted onsite at Stanford. Glad they were.. A week later in follow-up it was postulated a myocardial bridge was causing his symptoms. This prelim diagnosis can only recently be made using newer technology and highly specialized interpretation...we were very lucky to have landed in a place that could spot potentially the issue. Ingella Schnittger explained the situation clearly and succinctly - plus the modes of available address [will continue in next post].
Jennifer, Lafayette, California, USA, January 20, 2012

• Michele -- would be glad to speak to you i am sure. In the meantime, I can explain the overall process and the expectation. It will add depend on your personal health profile, age, ability, current fitness etc. Robbins is the best of the best. He's top 10 in the nation and i would not change it or deviate. Schnittger is the most amazing and their support team; Sophia Loo is fantastic. Unroofing is a surgery that is most complicated only based on the entry point; through the sternum. They go in; open the cavity; gently expose the heart via cutting away the protective sack; and slowly cut back the overlapped muscle thereby exposing the artery. Jim's was 32 cm; not sure about yours. Although during your touchbase with Schnittger and Robbins they will explain all of the worst case scenarios [which they must do given the nature of the surgery] i.e. 'if we nick an artery we will go to bypass etc...' my confidence in Robbins is off the charts. this was not necessary in our case; ours was very simple. The recovery, however, and the nature of men make Jim's recovery a little more challenging. He's having a hard time with the immediate increase of energy and remembering to listen to precaution
jennifer, Lafayette, California, USA, January 19, 2012

• Just an update. Had a small stroke after Christmas (2012) Haven't been able to drive. Hope time passes soon so I can drive. Had another echo I decided not to get the results. My Dr. is still using me as a case study. He will be somewhere in Chicago. Even asked me to go, but decided travel by air might NOT be so good. I also had my 53 birthday. That was a great mile stone. m For the people who have had this DE-ROOFING procedure, I can't much resources out there. My Dr. said since the entire lad is covered by my MB my results could cost me my life on the table. He also thinks this procedure is for people who have less bridge and more lad exposed. Congrats to the ones that have this one done. MY prayers are always there with each person on this web site.
Denise, SouthEast Texas, USA, January 18, 2012

• Hi Jennifer, I was wondering if your husband would be willing to talk with me. I am meeting with Dr. Robbins on Feb. 6th, and have a lot of questions. I would just love to get some realistic insight on what to expect with the de-roofing procedure, and also what his symptoms were like leading up to his diagnosis. Please let me know if this would be an option, e-mail** would be fine too. Thanks, Michele. [** Ed. note: We do not publicly publish e-mails of posters, in order to protect their privacy; however, as a service in select cases, Angioplasty.Org will forward these email queries privately to their intended recipient.]
Michele C, Aptos, California, USA, January 16, 2012

• After several visits to the ER, finally had a Cath that revealed my MB. I just turned 40 and have been an athlete my entire life. My Cardiologist told me mine was not bad and nothing that needed to be addressed and that my heart and arteries were 100% clear and he wished he saw my heart conditions in all the caths he performed. Well, it's been 2 months since my catch and my pains have been apparent almost daily. Chest pains, left arm pains, tingling in the left cheek, and the past few days have had the last 2 fingers of my left hand go numb on a few occasions. I still work out and don't ever seem to get short of breath, but starting to question the cavalier approach of, don't pay attention to it. After reading all of the posts there are a lot of you who have way more symptoms than me, but I am glad I found this forum. I wish you all good Heath and will be checking in to keep up with my new found issue. I am going to make a consult appointment to get a better understanding of the exact details of my MB.
Jay M, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, January 15, 2012

• Hello All; want to chime in on the Ingela Schnittger / Stanford study. My husband just emerged from the unroofing procedure with Schnittger/Robbins at Stanford 12.15 2011. His myocardial bridge was 32 cm; significant - he is 40. His improvement and quality of life has been immediately better; his color - once grey/ashen is now pink and rosy. No lie, it's not a fun surgery and the double whammy is the juxtaposition of having increased energy and feeling great while needing to manage and pay attention to sternal precautions for the surgery. Would not change our decision to undertake this invasive but definitely therapeutic surgery - each person should weigh the options, but for us, it was a great option and decision.
Jennifer, Northern California, USA, January 14, 2012

• Hi, My name is Silvia and was diagnosed with myocardial bridging 2 years ago after several years of chest pain episodes and several cardiologists. Finally this last episode my new cardiologist requested that I have another cardiac cath and the new interventionist was the one that discovered my issue. They both told me that I could be treated with medication and no need for other procedures. I have been on a beta blocker since and have not had an episode since.
Silvia, Miami, Florida, USA, January 12, 2012

• Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let you know that Dr. Ingella Schnittger a cardiologist at Stanford, actually runs a Myocardial Bridge clinic at the hospital in Palo Alto. She and another Fellow Dr. Shin Lim actually are running a study on myocardial bridging and what the best treatment options are. I am actually in queue for the de-roofing surgery, which is terrifying to me, but so is continuing on how i have been feeling. Does anyone else have orthopnea? (can't sleep flat without getting short of breath and feeling like there is a bag over my head) and chest pain daily. I too was told that I was probably just having a panic attack when I went to the ER previously. Anyway now I feel like I am in competent hands. I will post again after the surgery.
MC, Aptos, California, USA, January 10, 2012

• In was rushed to the hospital in October of 2010 with severe chest pressure and pain behind my left shoulder blade, four days later I was released and told there was nothing wrong with me, this was after a stress test, chest x-ray and a cardio cath was done. A week later I was rushed back again with the same problem, except this time the pain moved into my jaw. The hospital bought in the same doctor that seen me the first time, because I never had any heart problems before so I never needed one. The next day his partner came in and told not to come to the hospital for the chest pain again because his partner told me nothing was wrong. That made me so mad there had to give me shots to calm me down. Well little to say I i am am now seeing another doctor who after reviewing the cardio cath cd advised me I had MB, he showed me the artery that was having the spasms and does not know how it was missed. He finally had my medications regulated for 6 months until the Friday before Christmas this year 12/23/11. I was rushed from work to the hospital with severe pain in the chest and back. Well if anyone has a clue how to help me please HELP me, can' t keep living this way.
Desperately seeking Tracy, Belleville, Illinois, USA, January 8, 2012

• Hello everyone...I am a 29 year old woman dealing with the same concerns as you all. First and foremost i would like to say that chest pain is serious! It is a sign your heart is telling you something is wrong so please, do not ignore it!! And for those of you whose doctors act like nothing is wrong...see another doctor! About 6 months ago i was having numbness in my left arm and aching pains in my chest. I drove myself to the ER and after an EKG and ultrasound, i was told nothing was wrong. Then my blood work came back and there were high levels of Troponin, which is an enzyme your heart releases during a heart attack. I was admitted and seen by a cardiologist by the name of Dr. Kurian. He is awesome by the way. He did a heart cath on me and found my myocardial bridge. He put me on some meds...baby aspirin, Simvastatin, metoprolol, isosorbide and a nitroglycerin for future pain. Xmas eve of 2011 I was back at the ER with massive chest pains. The nitro did not help and I was given the option: stent or bypass. I went with the stent and I'm praying it works. I'm still having some waves of pain but I'm just hoping its part of the healing process. Good luck to all, much love n prayers
Michelle Ai, Flagler Beach, Florida, USA, January 3, 2012

• Don't you know we are all crazy there is nothing wrong with us. At least that is what a doctor told me at a Memorial Hospital. He told me not to come to the emergency room when I have those chest pains that his partner already told me there is nothing wrong with me. I have been dealing with this for four years now , I am now 50 years old. I was rushed to the hospital from work on 12/23/11 and was discharged in the evening of Christmas. The cardiologist that diagnosed me with MB stated he could not believe the doctor at Memorial missed the bridging artery. Even as I type I still have constant pressure in my chest. Here is the meds I'm taking: Amitriptyline, 1asprin, diltiazem 240 mg 2xs a day, furosemide, imdur, lipitor, nitrostat as needed , potassium, and ranexa 500 mg 2xs daily. I can't walk a lot like I use to or even enjoy shopping like I use to. There has to be something out there that can help us. I have also experienced the vibration feeling thought I was going crazy.
One of us, Belleville, Illinois, USA, January 2, 2012

• I am a 51 year old male. I was very active throughout my life, don't smoke or drink, but I have a demanding job. I developed daily chest pain over a year ago. An echocardiogram revealed ischemia in the distal wall. I had an angiogram. No arterial lining, but a small coronary artery fistula was detected coming off the conus branch of my RCA and my Ejection Fraction was 50%. I was placed on 400 mg Labetalol. A follow up CTA revealed a 3.4 cm MB in the midsegment of my LAD. An IVUS procedure was conducted and the bridge was found to be a tortuous 3 mm diameter vessel which compressed during heart function. Nitro was introduced during the procedure. The bridge reacted and extreme chest pain set in which radiated to my jaw and left shoulder. The heart pain lasted hours after the procedure. The specialist opined my heart is simply growing tired which is why the symptoms waited until now to surface. Daily chest pain continues and precludes exercise or many normal activities. My cardiologist is a great man, but he has never encountered this. I am being referred to another medical facility for evaluation. We are looking for experience and advice.
Robert, Los Angeles, California, USA, December 26, 2011

• I'm a 48 year old female that was diagnosed Feb. of this year. I've have attacks for several years but thought it had something to do with my back spasms. I always would get really sweaty and nauseous and I blamed that on hot flashes. I now know different. I was hospitalized last December from inflammation of the heart and that made the attacks worse. They have tried different meds all year to control the attaches but it's not working. When I went to ER, they did blood work, advised it couldn't be my heart. If I hadn't insisted something wasn't right and request they do the cath, I would have probably feel out somewhere by now. Local doctors didn't seem too concerned despite I was active before but now am stuck inside most of the time since. If I stay down, it's not so bad. But just as soon as I start running errands, get on the treadmill, it's bad again. Have seen Heart Dr. at Duke and printed records indicate a surgery may be required. A bypass was mentioned but I won't know for sure until they see the heart cath films. Has anyone else had surgeries and if so, what kind of surgery. A open heart bypass seems extreme and scary but I'm sick of not living normally. Any suggestions???
Chap C, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA, December 11, 2011

• Hello, I am looking for anyone who has undergone a deroofing procedure for a myocardial bridge of the LAD. I have been recently diagnosed with 2 bridges in my LAD mid and distal. It was not seen on my first angiogram done 4 years ago, but this time I had it with dobutamine and Intravascular ultrasound and the double bridge was confirmed. I have had worsening chest pains over the last 4 years, shortness of breath, chest pressure, like someone squeezing my chest, fatigue, visible wall motion abnormalities on echo, and within the last few months can't sleep flat without SOB and pain. I also wheeze all of the time, I have been on atenolol for 3 years, which helped initially, but now I am pretty miserable all of the time. I am a 45 yr old female,mother of two young children, never smoked, not overweight, used to exercise regularly, and low cholesterol always. The cardiologists I am seeing now at Stanford have said that the deroofing procedure should be considered, however they have only done about 3-4 of these surgeries, so I am super scared of how I feel AND of the surgical option. Any advise, similar situations, or guidance greatly appreciated.
MC, Aptos, California, USA, November 20, 2011

• I'm 28 y.o mother of 1. I had my first anginal attack when I was 6 y.o. Thus after had regular visit to cardiologist going through all the testing every two for the DR. to tell me everything is neg. maybe we will find out more as you get older and would prescribe an anti-acid and send me on my way. Well when I was 25 I was to go again for regular check up, but I didn't go. A couple months later I went from a healthy athletic lady to not being able to climb a flight of stairs, standing up without fainting, walk a few step without SOB, angina at rest, falling asleep only to wake up shortly after with my heart and carotid artery feeling as if it was going to come out of my body. Finally got a good cardiologist b/c now I have a name for all of this. So the DR. put me on the lowest dose of beta-blockers due to my already low BP, told me I would live a normal life but no more kids. I had been symptom free for two years. I will be 29 in a couple weeks and about 5 weeks ago it returned, I never expected it to return. My attacks are much worse than before, I'm so sad and mad. I plan to ride this one out alone this time no family or friends.
Elise, Michigan currently in Dallas, Texas, USA, November 16, 2011

• I started [on] this board 8 years ago. I checked often but no one had this especially women. I have now out lived my time limit of 50 years old. Every day that goes by is a blessing. I have read every commit and found mostly. Males. According to my Dr women die in childbirth but I made it through 3 births, 22 surges , and lot more. This week. I had a mini stroke. I would like to know what other problems That they have other signs symptoms. Thank you for All your support
Denise, South East Texas, November 12, 2011

• I was diagnosed with MB lad in 97 I couldn't find much about it. Severe neck pains and angina at rest. I also had chest pains at about 15 years old in 1965 which was diagnosed as "growing pains" I have now developed Atrial Fib and wonder if it is associated with Myocardial Bridging? Also tonight for the first time I read about someone else have the vibrations sensation. Mine is intense enough that it has fooled me into taking my Cell Phone out of my shirt pocket. My current treatment is to ignore the angina (mines not severe) take Amiodarone and Metoprolol for the AF and aspirin. I would like to know If ANYONE else has the VIBRATION Sensations and if so what is the diagnosis? I am now 61 years old and have lived with this my whole life.
Kenneth A., Oklahoma, USA, November 2, 2011

• So very glad to find a forum that discusses MB! Would love to hear from others that have had the surgery that Bill details. (Bill - I've called doctor Crestanello's office and have asked for a referral to a doctor here in Texas. Anxiously waiting for his office to call me back!) Have been symptomatic for WAY to long. On many different meds, and no relief. Have gone to 3 different cardiologists, and 1 cardiovascular surgeon. Of course, I've gotten very different opinions however; surgery was recommended by 2. Just trying to match up with a surgeon here in Texas that has experience with the procedure. Stenting is not an option in my mind. Everything I've read about stenting a MB is negative, and I view it as a temporary fix, so I continue on my journey to find the right surgeon for the procedure! Good health to all in this forum struggling with MB.
K. Kassaw, Lufkin, Texas, USA, October 31, 2011

• Has anyone found real solutions to their Myocardial Bridge problems? How is everyone doing and coping with this since their last post? I was just curious. I know a few that have had surgery and seem to be doing better. Still looking for answers on symptoms of upper back tightness, feeling like a lump in throat and unexplained accelerations in blood pressure/hot flushes when things get at their worst. Hope to hear back from more MB patients.
Abelgd, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, October 22, 2011

• Dear MBLAD Patients, I started this site along time ago to get see if there were others out there. Thank God there is. I am 52 now. I have had many of the heart cath procedures and ended up in ICU for 3-6 days. Most of them completely out of it My family was around me 24 hrs a day until I woke up. Some very bad things happened during this time. The last 3-d echo I had showed definitely dying of the left ventricle (SInce you definitely need collateral vessels to feed the back of the left ventricle -- by the way I have not made any) My Dr. has let me more or less do my pills as I my body feels. Stress has about 75% of the pain that you feel, especially when the ekg doesn't show anything. Then the blood work comes back PRETTY NORMAL.Only after see the original HC does anyone believe that this is real. Always carry a DVD of your medical records, just incase you are away from home. I am not able to drive because chest pain is getting progressively worse, resting and trying to stay unstressed seems to help. I know of a few people whom have had surgery. They never made off the table. Please choose wisely. THERE is no DR. THAT IS GOD!!!! Take one day at a time. Enjoy that DAY
Denise Sheppard, Orangefield, Texas, USA, October 18, 2011

• At Age 37, had a mild heart attack due to MCB (in 1999). I was a full time Firefighter and noticed shortness of breath for a couple of years when at high exertion levels (firefighting). In 1999, had major back pain, which turned into chest pain (MI). I was treated with beta blockers, statin, aspirin and ace inhibitor. Now off all meds because of major fatigue and lethargy. Now taking aspirin (81 mg) and Welchol. Also battling sleep apnea since about age 30 (underwent UPPP, deviated septum reconstruction). Presently, age 49, hiking 4 miles,about 4 x's per wk. No major symptoms other than tiredness (most likely from sleep apnea) and dyspnea at high heart rates. Get heart scans as prescribed by your Dr.: calcium scoring, echo cardiogram, stress ecg or ecg, angiography, radiographs, etc, to properly evaluate exactly your condition. Exercise and cut down on all animal products. Ask your Dr. about statins and take if no side affects, as prescribed.
Roger, Northern California, USA, October 9, 2011

• [I am adding to my previous post.] I am a 37yo. male diagnosed with Branching of LAD after Acute Myocardial Infarction, Subendocardial Infarction August 13, 2011. My family has a significant cardiac history with problems around 48yo. Father had quadruple by-pass at 50yo. I have been told that I was born with this condition and not to worry but to live my life. I have taken Nitro on a couple different occasions and have shortness of breathe and tightness in my chest daily. This last month I have had pain in my elbow, forearm, left hand, left temple. I am on Metoprolol 50mg, Pravistatin 40mg, Plavix 75mg, Aspirin 325mg. I have been misdiagnosed for over 10 years in the ER's. (Costal Chondritis, Bronchitis, etc...) It's good to find you all! I am unsure as to what I should do for treatment at this point and worried about having another heart attack as I am still recovering from major reconstructive foot surgery and recent heart attack. I am reading about heart attacks and looking into the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.
David, Frankfort, Indiana, USA, September 30, 2011

• Hello everyone. I am 37yo. male who just had an acute myocardial infarction Aug 13th with significant heart disease in family. I had high blood pressure for the past 5 years or so. I had foot surgery and then the heart attack a few months later. I am on Metoprolol, Pravastatin, Aspirin, & Zocor. I have taken PRN Nitro a couple of times already and still have shortness of breath and intermittent pain in my heart, jaw and heaviness in left forearm. I am still recovering from foot surgery so it is hard to walk. The last time I walked the dog my heart started hurting again. I am scheduled to see the cardiologist in a couple of weeks. I have LAD bridging. When I went into the hospital they could not believe how young I was and only one of my cardiac numbers was up. I received nitro spray sublingual and the pain subsided a bit. I had a patch on while in the hospital for 3 days. The Doctors want to do a stress test next year when my foot has healed but I can't see doing that when it bothers me daily. I use to get winded just walking up our stairs, now I just crutch around. I cannot handle much stress and will have to quit Nursing b/c of my foot and the heart condition. I'm glad I found you.
David, Frankfort, Indiana, USA, September 24, 2011

• I had a H/A in April 67yoa. I was diagnosed with "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with bridging". I am on 2 Lisinopril-HZTc 20/25 mg,daily: Plavix 75mg,daily;Metoprolol Tartrate25mg,daily;Cartia 240 mg,daily: Vit. D 50,00 units 3 X a week, Ranexa 500 two times a day; Clonazepam 1 mg,daily; Simvastatin 40 mg,every day, Bayer low dose aspirin every day. Had Echocardiogram and carotid doppler and EKG this week. Saw my cardiologist today and he said my heart was getting stronger. Medicines, a good Dr. and most of all prayers make a difference. Sure I am tired but if that is my only complaint. I will be very happy. I had 2 friends who had great checkups only to die suddenly of massive h/a. So each day I am alive is a good day.
BHBS, Indiana, USA, September 16, 2011

• Hello-I just realized I never posted a follow up. First lesson is always get a second opinion. My bridge exists but is NOT deep and not causing ischemia. My tests were read wrong. Cleveland Clinic has seen 1000's of these. My left arm shoulder pain more than likely musculo skeletal and I can go back to living my life. It was expensive, but less so than open heart surgery would have been.
Laura C, Richmond, Virginia, USA, September 15, 2011

• 3 years since diagnosed another 6 mo checkup to rubber stamp meds .. still taking same meds occasionally skipping or missing one reducing saturation. i can tell if i skip too much by the pain in my left arm just below the wrist .. i have the nitro patch and pills available if the pain hits hard but have avoided using to make sure i don't get a tolerance that i have been warned about. cholesterol good one is low at 33, bad one is high at about 140 if i remember right, started 10 mg dose of pravastatin for 3 mo to see if it lowers the high cholesterol. cardiologist mentioned on the sept 7th that my bridge was cutting off 50 % of the blood flow when he did the test 3 years ago . he had in intern following him for the last 6 mo and I'm sure is discussing my case with her since i saw her at my last visit also .. he also mentioned the treatment of open heart surgery but still not in any great detail. I'm sure he's still perplexed with dealing with this type of condition seeing only 3 or 4 ,also thought he said something about one of his teachers saying there would never be ischemia from a bridge, but this was the worst bridge he has seen and that just proved his old professor wrong.
Steve Redwing, lad bridge patient, Watertown, South Dakota, USA, September 10, 2011

• I am a 44 yo male that was diagnosed with a myocardial bridge exactly 2 yrs ago. I exercised 5 days a week (3 running and 2 of high intensity swimming) then one day I couldn't go up a flight of stairs without shortness of breath (dyspnea). I tried ignoring it and then thought it was anemia. Saw a few docs and wound up getting an angiogram where I had no blockages but was diagnosed with MB. I was put on Verapamil and have gotten back to exercising though not quite as intense. I swim and play tennis. I have only had 2 instances where I experienced shortness of breath and that was from going to hard on a workout. Learned my lesson and I manage it.
Becks, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, July 22, 2011

• I am 49, will be 50 in December. I have been going to the hospital for the last year. I was even told by one Cardiologist he told me there was nothing wrong with my heart and not to come to the hospital when I have chest pains. I have since visited an new doctor at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO. he is the one that told me that I had MB. I suffer every day with pain, that feels like someone is sitting on my chest and it goes into my upper back. I am on Isosorb 120mg, i aspirin, 1000mg fish oil 2xs, Diltiazem 240 mg, and Simvastatin20mg and of course Nitro as needed which is about 3 a day. I am in desperate need of a fix, something that will stop this pain. I use to be very active and have now put on a lot of wait.
TJ, Belleville, Illinois, USA, July 19, 2011

• I am having rotator cuff surgery next week. The drs really frightened me when they canceled the surgery at an outpatient surgical center and scheduled me at the hospital. Stated that I am a high risk pt due to the symptomatic myocardial bridge. I am doing better with taking Ranexa. Anyone have any information about symptomatic MB and anesthesia? My rotator cuff is in dire need of repair.
Donna, Georgia, USA, July 17, 2011

• My husband (43 yrs) had severe headaches and neck pain for the last couple of years. He recently had chest discomfort and was admitted for angiogram. Angiogram revealed he has 30% stenosis in one of the vessels and mid segment myocardial bridging around systolic compression of about 80%. Cardiologist has advised medication, rest for 1 week and meditation as a way forward will less stressful work to avoid headaches. To all patients having this condition, my husband wishes a speedy recovery. Pl share your views on the lifestyle to be adopted to manage this condition.
Sheetal, India, July 12, 2011

• Does anyone have any information about bridging in the left circumflex artery? I haven't found much info anywhere.
Mary j, Hartford, Wisconsin, USA, May 26, 2011

• Since my last post, I have seen the cardiothoracic surgeon following 2 other cardiologists. I was scheduled for open heart surgery. I did have the open heart surgery (CABG) with a single vessel bypass performed on my LAD, using the LIMA (Left Internal Mammary Artery) for the graft. In addition to the single vessel bypass, Dr. Crestanello performed an "unroofing" procedure as well. This involves actually cutting the myocardium in hope of reaching the affected artery, releasing the bridge. Dr. Crestanello told me that my bridge was the largest one he has ever seen or read about. My bridge was just over 4cm in length and 1cm deep into the myocardium. My surgery was done at Ohio State University Medical Center Ross Heart Hospital in Columbus, Ohio by Dr. Juan Crestanello. The entire staff at this place was incredible! Surgery was on 05/16/2011 at 7am and I was discharged home on 05/19/2011 at 2pm! My recovery has been awesome compared to most, but I am 40 years old with no other health problems. My symptoms have all disappeared since the surgery as well! I would highly recommend calling OSU Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio if you live close enough! So glad I had this fixed!
Bill Mulholland, Harrod, Ohio, USA, May 21, 2011

• was diagnosed with a bridge in left circumflex artery, and put on beta blockers. cannot find much info on bridging in that artery
Mary p j, Hartford, Wisconsin, USA, May 17, 2011

• TO: MELINDA, JENA, LOUISIANA, USA -- Dear Melinda, I have been checking the forum frequently hoping you'd reply. I would really like to communicate with you as I had a challenge cath @ Stanford last week. I would like to know if the Bridge is causing my pain so I can treat it. I have daily chest tightness and left arm symptoms and chest pain. I used to be so active and now I am afraid to exercise. Please email me if you can via this Forum's private email relay. I have my follow up visit next week and I plan on asking my cardiologist how I can know if the bridge is the issue. I also have endothelial dysfunction. My intuition says its the bridge. Please, if possible get in touch with me. I would be most grateful.
SwissDots, Northern California, USA, May 5, 2011

• To swissdots in northern California -- the mayo clinic did a vasospasm study it is a 1hr and 45 min heart cath! I am still doing good and have not had any more chest pain! The only med I am taking now is one verapamil!
Melinda, Jena, Louisiana, USA, May 5, 2011

• As I read through most of the postings, I find that most are under 50 and usually without any previous cardiac problems. That's interesting and those of us just diagnosed with MB are looking on the web for SOMETHING!I have had 3 open heart surgeries replacing aortic valve and at each surgery....something seems to come up...aneurysm, septal defect, MI, kidney failure. As imagined, I've had MANY TESTS. I've NEVER been diagnosed with MB. The last few years (yes, close to my 50th birthday) had felt lousy. Pretty much all the symptoms everyone else is stating including frustration, anxiety, frightened, and believe I'm going crazy. Most doctors let MB roll off their tongues and no one especially because young, and try not to feel sorry for myself, that they think the pain is all in your head and that it can't be due to MB. Except, I never had it before (not at birth as they claim). The cardiologist that diagnosed this with cath was baffled since it was on right side and other arteries tried to map out different route. Also, said the artery that I had stented looked as if it was crinked and moved from last surgery. I want my doctors to read this site and let them walk in ours...
Marijo, Monterey, California, USA, April 26, 2011

• Tony Clark...thanks for the post. Now I see a chance of having my prior life. I was diagnosed with MB in 2006 at 40 after many skeptical doctors and tests. Been on beta-blockers and nitro since. I've learned to live with it (Chest pains and feeling like you're gonna die) since I'm not convinced surgery is the answer. I make sure I get plenty of rest and avoid stress. I miss my basketball habit and I'm always tired from the meds. But this isn't "living" and it sounds like surgery worked for you. If you wouldn't mind passing some of that info on through this post I would appreciate it.
kfh, Los Angeles, California, USA, April 22, 2011

• To: Melinda, Jena, Louisiana, USA, March 20, 2011 What test did they do at Mayo that determined your chest pain was from the Myocardial Bridge and not the spasm? Was it a challenge cath. I am a 41 y.o. female experiencing ongoing chest pain at rest, when stressed, when exercising or active. Had a cath due to chest pain and hospitalization in March. Was referred to Stanford for 2nd opinion. The MD at Stanford saw the CD of my 1st cath and said she may have seen a little Myocardial bridge, but I was not diagnosed with anything I am scheduled for another cath next week and hopefully I'll know more after the 2nd cath. I am in pain, tired & scared. The posts of everyone here are helpful. I've been told the chest pain may be in my head by other doctors who are not familiar with these conditions and due to my age. But the pain is real, concerning and not made up.
Swissdots, Northern California, USA, April 21, 2011

• I have gotten two opinions at this time. The drs at Emory suggest medication to treat my myocardial bridge ischemia (which has such side effects). The drs at Duke state that a myocardial bridge is not the big issue and to stop taking the Ranexa, Toprol and Zocor. Highly frustrated because still not feeling well. Been treated by two very well-respected institutions and their opinions are entirely different. There appears to be very little known about MB and lots of controversy. Feel like giving up! Has anyone else ever felt this frustration?
Donna, Winder, Georgia, USA, April 20, 2011

• I have also been dx with an LAD bridge 4 cm running deep in the muscle and causing ischemia but no MI. Getting paperwork together for 2nd opinion on myotomy. Occas. chest pressure but not bad. Nitrates (imdur, isordil) not usually recommended for bridge. Suggest you get 2nd opinion or 3rd. Not enough research yet on bridges to be definitive on treatment, but the more heads studying it the better. Will post back with 2nd opinion. Good luck!
Laura C., Richmond, Virginia, USA, April 15, 2011

• I am so glad I found this forum. I am a 48 yo female. My history is that I was an avid runner/walker for many years. One day after exercising, I experienced severe chest pain. Admitted to Emory Hosp and dx with a Myocardial Bridge of the LAD. I did not have any blockages or plaque. Taken to the cath lab for a 2nd cath and stenting was felt to be too risky. Presently taking Renaxa, Toprol, Zocor, niacin and aspirin. I still experience chest pain on exertion. It has been 2 months and I am not any better. Can barely walk through my house. So strange since I avidly exercised for 30 years. I am debilitated, exhausted and frustrated. I would appreciate the names of any seasoned drs that is familiar with symptomatic myocardial bridging. Also, any advice is appreciated. Again, still in shock that I functioned fairly normal and simply ran into a brick wall with this MB. I have beaten physical maladies frequently in the past but can't recover from this.
Donna, 48 years old, , Winder, Georgia, USA, April 11, 2011

• Since my initial posting on here, my cardiologist has referred me to another cardiologist at Ohio State University's Ross Heart Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The type of surgery that it would take to correct my myocardial bridge is only offered at 2 facilities in Ohio. I followed up with an Interventional Cardiologist at OSU, but was referred yet again to see a cardiothoracic surgeon who uses the DaVinci Robot to perform bypass surgery. Although we are all hoping for this possibility, the myocardial bridge encompasses nearly 2/3 of my entire LAD. This could prove to not allow the robotic approach to be used for the bypass, which would force me to have a traditional bypass surgery, with possible "detunneling" of the LAD as well. As I said before, being a ICU/CCU Registered Nurse, I believe that I know too much about all of this. I find it very difficult to relax or find peace on a daily basis. I feel as if I were an accident waiting to happen, at least until they get me fixed. My next appointment is on April 19th with the surgeon, so I am hoping and praying for a solution to be offered at that time. I would advise anyone having these issues to be persistent with your doctors!
Bill Mulholland, Harrod, Ohio, USA, April 11, 2011

• It was discovered that I had Myocardial Bridging back in 2007 after my second trip to the ER and the doctor suggested doing a heart catheterization due to family history. The first time I saw a cardiologist I was not taken seriously because of my age, I was in my early 30s and a woman. Only because of them knowing my father's condition with his heart did they take me seriously the second visit at the age of 38. I take a 24 hour release pill (Cardizem)for the angina attacks. I was just released from the hospital and I am now 43 and I still feel as though the doctors do not believe me when I tell them I am in pain especially since the angina seems to hit when I am at rest. They gave me a stress test but nothing showed up because I don't have any blockage. I feel as if I am alone and no one hears me because I don't have "normal" symptoms related to heart disease. I am at a loss as to what to do next. I live in Michigan and I have learned to ignore the pains and they eventually go away and if it last longer than normal I will take a nitro. My fear is that I may learn to ignore the pain so much that I might ignore a heart attack.
Liz, Michigan, USA, March 28, 2011

• Bill Mulholland I would get on mayo clinic web site and talk to them! I was told never let them stent the bridge could crush and cause more damage! I had open heart on feb 21th at mayo and since then I have not had any trouble! I am a 30 year female that was also diagnosed with vasospasm and bridge come to find out Mayo clinic ran test that proved I did not have spasms and bridge was prob! The drs at mayo are great!!
Melinda, Jena, Louisiana, USA, March 20, 2011

• I just turned 40 years old in February and have been having chest pain off and on for years. Kept putting it off until early this year I developed increased chest pressure and SOB on exertion. Being an RN in CCU/ICU, I knew I needed to get checked out. Following my heart cath, I was told that I have a myocardial bridge in my mid LAD, along with coronary artery vasospasms. It would take 2 stents to correct the problem. I was scheduled for the stents for this morning, but they cancelled the procedure saying that I was "too high of a risk" for stents. Have a follow up appt. today to discuss further options. Imdur and Norvasc have done nothing for me except give me a terrible headache to go along with everything else. My quality of life has decreased to the point that I am not allowed to go to work as an RN for now, or enjoy any hobbies. I'm very frustrated and stressed out about the whole situation. I don't want to face a bypass surgery at 40 years old! I don't know what to do and wish I had some better options and answers....I will be praying for all who have posted on here!
Bill Mulholland, Harrod, Ohio, USA, March 10, 2011

• I am a 30 year old female who suffered 7 months with chest pain, shortness of breath, heart race, and weakness. I was told I had a bridge and was given meds! Nothing seemed to help I went through two heart caths, gallbladder surgery, barium swallow, monomentry, chest X-rays, egd, ten er visits and nothing seemed to help! I finally emailed Mayo Clinic and they have saved my life! I had open heart surgery to free the bridge and while in surgery they found 1/2 hole in my asd in which they repaired! Since surgery I have not had any chest pain or shortness of breath! I am not 100% sure it has fixed everything but so far I am doing good!
Melinda, Jena, Louisiana, USA, March 3, 2011

• When I was 34, I started having intermittent chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings that I was going to faint or drop dead. I had multiple normal EKGs, borderline BP, holter monitor and was dismissed as maybe having Acid Reflex or a vagal response.When I was 35, my symptoms continued with new symptoms of visible pulses (abdomen, ulnar artery, neck), periods of extreme Bradycardia (nurse thought i was playing tricks on her), very low BP (i.e. 90/45), and a sense of vibrations (10 per pulse) with extra hard beats with my pulse when laying down, as well as gurgling sounds in my head. Now I was dismissed as overly sensitive and told not to worry..At 37 my EKG showed irregularities and they did an angiogram - showing my LAD was 100% closed with every beat due to myocardial bridge. They stuck in 2 stents, put me on plavix, and told me to have a nice day. At 38, was having chest pains and they thought coronary artery spasms so prescribed amlodipine which helped. Now at 39.5 years old, I am having more feelings of faintness, my "vibrations", etc. I'm told to drink more water or its in my head. Any suggestions of what to do besides find another cardiologist?
Mr Walton, Washington State, USA, December 20, 2010

• I am a 30 year old mother of two who was told Aug 2010 that I had a bridge and vasospasm angina! I have chest pain daily, shortness of breath, can't carry my 14 month old daughter across the room without breathing hard, left arm pain, dizzy at times, cold sweat! In the last 5 months I have had heart cath, Eco, gallbladder removed, monometry, egd, barium swallow, nuclear stress test, neck and chest x-rays, colonoscopy, wore a heart monitor, 9 er visits, 4 hospital stays and the only thing they can tell me is I have a bridge and my heart is put of rhythm and heart rate racing!! I have tried beta blockers and ranexa which lower my rate to much so I am on verapamil, levison, aspirin, elavil and I still have symptoms daily!! All drs keep telling me it is not the bridge both it is the only thing they can seem to find all of my gastro test came back normal just wish I could get some answers soon!!
Melinda, Jena, Louisiana, USA, December 17, 2010

• Found out I have a heart bridge. Had chest pain & shortness of breath. Had a angiogram to find out. Dr. said I had nothing wrong with my heart, just don't do anything to raise heart beat. I'm 56 years old. I was on 80 mg of marcardis and went to 40 mg. Heck with it. No more pills for me. Want a second opinion. still feel terrible. See if pills are making me ill.
z06, Cobourg, Canada, November 21, 2010

• I was diagnosed in Feb of 09 with a substantial MB of the LAD. I've been suffering from shortness of breath, heartburn and sweats. I have 2 stents installed "inside" the bridge. The Doctor who did the cath said it was needed because of artery blocked from plaque. I take 10 different pills daily. I was just cathed a month ago. Now I have a aneurysm growing at the Aortic root and a borderline Aortic valve. I also have blockage growing proximal to the bridge. To all patients, get a bypass!!!! Insist on it!!! The meds they give us is a joke. Your quality of life will not be the same. I am taking Ranexa, and its side effects are horrible. No Doctor will perform the bypass because currently the vessel is open, so we I'm suppose to wait till the blockage gets worse, or a heart attack. I don't feel like waiting, but we are at the mercy of a broken health care system. Hard to believe in this day and age that we have such problems like this. I will say again, do not accept a stent, the muscle will only squeeze it shut sooner or later. Get a bypass and live a much happier life. We need to tell these doctors to stop band aid style fixes and permanently repair the problem. Good Luck to all of you!
Paul G., Albany, New York, USA, November 20, 2010

• 61 year old just diagnosed with mb. Have had symptoms for several years. have had a cardiac cath about 5-7 years go and just realized a cardiac cath is only as good as the person performing it. my doctor now found it immediately. Before my recent diagnosis I was even told it was mental!!I will be following up on this post to see if new treatments work. so far i have been told to increase my metoprolol to 50 mg am and pm.
Silvia, Miami, Florida, USA, November 10, 2010

• My 31 year old son just had a hear attack (luckily a mild one), caused by what the cardiologist is calling Myocardial bridging. This was a total shock to all of us having never had any heart problems. We have spent the last 5 days trying to find a Cardiologist who specializes in this and can give us some direction on if he is a candidate for surgery.Can anyone help? We live in Florida but are willing to travel.
Barbara, Boca Raton, Florida, USA, November 9, 2010

• I wrote what I knew about MB last Feb. I have a little more insight after having talked a cardiologist (after my husband had a heart attack 5 days ago and doing fine). What I took away from what he said is that a myocardial bridge is not a problem. However, if it should become blocked one could not have a stent.
Jeri Dennis, Lincoln, Illinois, USA, September 2, 2010

• My brother, 28 years old, recently passed away suddenly on June 22, 2010. He appeared to be a healthy young man with no risk factors whatsoever. Autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a Myocardial Bridge. He had been symptomatic for the past two years, complaining of occasional shortness of breath, chest pain, neck and shoulder pain, nausea, acid reflux, head aches, dark circles around eyes, and fatigue. I wish I would have known about this condition before, so we could have had a chance to do what all of you are doing, which is, fighting for your right to be treated to save your lives. The only good thing about never knowing is that my brother never knew what was coming. Although, it does hurt me to realize that he was sick, but never complained too much. He had a couple of visits to the family doctors who never went past blood tests and chest X-rays, only to declare him a "healthy young man". God bless you all who are actively seeking treatment. I hope you find an answer and that you may find relief of your symptoms.
Grieving, Whittier, California, USA, July 26, 2010

• update steve redwing . 100 mg metoprolol about 9 am and 4 with 10 mg lisinopril about 2 pm and isosorbide 30 mg at night. only using nitro patch on left forearm when pain spikes there and thru bridge. usually when i accidentally skip taking a pill or 2. cardiologist has me scheduled for baseline stress test in august .. since i skipped the first stress test and went strait on the table .energy level is low with all these beta blockers , walking in walmart is a thing of the past. last time i walked around walmart i ended up throwing on a nitro patch. Occasionally get muscle twitching in my eyes due to meds .getting close to 50th and still kicking haven't seen a new post from denise since she mentioned being guinea pig and going into surgery and wrecked her car in 2008.. i haven't seen any updates after that one meds still seem to drop my pressure and raise my pulse rate above 50. isosorbide still seems to be working the best
Steve Redwing, Watertown, South Dakota, USA, July 20, 2010

• Rob M from Boston Massachusetts couldn't be more wrong regarding his claim of that MB does not inhibit blood flow to the heart. This clip clearly shows that MB does exactly that. Sorry Rob. I have MB and live a very active life at 46, play tennis, run and Surf, http://abcnews.go.com/Health/HeartDiseaseScreening/story?id=4224809
Rick Fisher, VF Imagewear, California, USA, March 10, 2010

• I am a 64yr old male who has stage 4 rectal cancer. As part of my treatment I was administered continuous fusion 5Fu chemo, and suffered 2 angina attacks shortly afterwards. I was taken off the chemo and a few weeks later had an angiogram which revealed that although my arteries were normal, I had myocardial bridging in my left coronary artery. I now wonder if this was the real cause of my angina, and, also, will it be possible to safely continue with chemo (perhaps a different agent)?
Alan H., New Zealand, February 25, 2010

• Paul -- LAD bridging is one of the more commonly seen instances of myocardial bridging. Any effect depends on a number of things. Your condition is complex, so your cardiologist would be the best person to explain.

And for all posters, here's a peer-reviewed article that might be of interest, in terms of classification of myocardial bridging and the recommended treatment for each class -- it appeared online first in June 2008 in Cardiology and is titled: "Myocardial bridging in absence of coronary artery disease: proposal of a new classification based on clinical-angiographic data and long-term follow-up."
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 27, 2010

• I'm a 51 year male. Ran in 10 years about 45 half marathons and "celebrated" in 2005 with a whole marathon. Than stopped running.When I started my training mid 2009 again, I ran into difficulties of shortage of breath and chest pain. After exertion tests, echo and angiography I had PCI with following result:

• RCA ostium 40-50% for time being conservative
• RCA at crux 90% RDP and 90% PLR bifurcation damage,
• BIOMATRIX 3.0x14 stent. Next kissing balloon 3.0 (PLR) vs 2.5 (RDP)
• LAD bridging distal, D1 ostial 50-60% for time being conservative
• D1 middle 99%: after predilatation stented with 2.25mmx24 Endeavour DES.

Who can tell me what the effect of the distal LAD bridging could be? (follow up appointment in April). Thanks for your reply
Paul, The Netherlands, February 25, 2010

• I am so happy to find you all. I've been going crazy as I've been to a few cardiologists since finding my bridge during cath. 1st cardiologist said don't do anything to increase heart rate from now on, no lifting over 7 lbs and take beta blocker and left. Next two dr's said oh it's no big deal, do whatever you want. Who do you trust? Problem is it's getting worse and in last 1 1/2 yrs I've had several incidents of tachycardia, chest pressure, blood pressure suddenly spikes during that time (normally low so I can't take blockers). Progressively getting worse...barely can walk without getting high pulse and pressure in chest. Very scared. Don't agree w/post (and last 2 docs) that it's not dangerous because blood flow is only needed when the heart is at rest (not during compression). We need more research and answers. Not "living" my life anymore. Scared of symptoms and what they represent. Starting to not trust any cardiologist that tells me it's not big deal. I'd like the shoe to be on their foot.
BS, Orlando, Florida, USA, February 19, 2010

• Symptoms of intense chest pain and shortness of breath, which turned out to be acid reflux and an allergy to mold, led to the diagnosis of a myocardial bridge. I am a 67 year old female, historically and presently in very good health. The cardiologist put me on beta blockers to make my heart pump easier. That made the shortness of breath become extremely uncomfortable and lowered my already low blood pressure. My assumption was that I was sinking fast due to my MB. I was changed to nitrates, which helped the breathing only a little so I asked to be taken off all meds realizing it was after starting them that I felt worse. The dr. was fine with that. In 3 days I was much better. To alleviate the shortness of breath, I stay away from mold potential (i.e. peanut butter and cantaloupe), take enzymes for the acid reflux, and take the lowest dose of thyroid. I can't remember feeling better in my life. I believe it is pertinent to watch our diets to keep from clogging that artery and to have a simple exercise routine...this would solve many health problems. I wonder if the bridged artery becomes clogged if it could cause death or a just a heart attack.
Jeri Dennis, Lincoln, Illinois, USA, February 18, 2010

• I am a 49 year old female just diagnosed w/ myocardial bridging of the LAD, and given the same information of being born with it; nothing to worry about, etc... I have been on Atenolol since 2005 dut to SVT. Now, also on Nitro Patch d/t chest pain. I don't have any questions that I would expect an answer to at this time,because it appears most of what I did have have already been asked without any real answers. However, I would ask why the American Heart Association is not addressing this issue? As a long-time nurse, and knowing the A&P of the heart, it appears whether they call it "bridging" "spasms" or other terms, if it causes ischemia, it can lead to an infarction. This problem needs to be seriously investigated and treatment made available. It seems the most effective method I can obtain from the responses so far, is the incising of the portion of muscle that is causing the problem.
Katie, Athens, Tennessee, USA, February 14, 2010

• Update on Steve Redwing -- 49 now switched from verapamil (calcium channel blocker) due to it seeming to cause me weakness ... switched to 200 mg metoprolol and 30 mg of isosorbide at night just saw Dr Garcia and will be switching to 100 mg am and 100 mg pm metoprolol 12 hours apart and 30 mg isosorbide at night/ using nitro patches on a regular basis at work when i have pain in my left arm and thru bridge area / will be adding 20 mg lisinopril to new regiment during day between hours of taking metoprolol. hopefully this will reduce my dependence on the .04 mg hr nitro patch . doc doesn't want me building up resistance to nitro . he now has 3 patients with bridges .. still he just mentioned alternative of cutting muscle to pull out the vein that is buried . i said yea i read about deroofing. I think my cardiologist is starting to learn more about it and depending on where the vein is in the heart would make a difference in how they can treat it weather with medicine or surgery. I still have a slow heart rate and a strong pressure. the meds reduce pressure and increase my pulse rate.. pulse runs 44 to 55 in the icu they shut off the low pulse alarm. avg pulse 49.9
Steve Redwing, Prairie Lakes, Sanford Health , Watertown, South Dakota, November 20, 2009

• I am 44 years old male. Myocardial bridging has been diagnosed during 2001. it is named as "INTRAMYCARDIAL COURSE AND TORTUOUS MIDSEGMENT OF LAD, ECTASIA AT PROXIMAL AND MID SEGMENT OF RCA"I have been medicated with Nebistar(1.25mg)and Deplatt A 75 in the morning & Nicoran (5mg) and Dilzim (30mg) at night. Even now, I feel the problem of short breathing, giddiness in the evenings after 1400 hrs. The performance at work is suffering due to this problem as I love my work. However, in the mornings I feel somewhat better and do my regular walking and small exercises. Please suggest further course of action to eliminate the problem in terms of clinical or surgical methods.
Jagannadham J., Andhra Pradesh, India, November 18, 2009

• I am 33 year old Process engineer. Since last two years I was feeling chest pain, short breathing during playing hockey and squash. I never took this serious. Once I visited hospital due to headache and chest pain, they did ECG which shows severe attack. They send me to cardiologist who did ECG again, but it showing nothing more than ischemia. Condition remained as such, some time i feel discomfort during games and exercise. Many time I visited doctor and they felt no significant change in ECG. However once ECG changed within two minutes from disorder to normal condition. Finally I went through angiography and I was diagnosed during July 2008 with LAD bridging with hypertrophic hyper contractile Doctor told me that this is since childhood. I am wondering If it is since childhood so why I did not feel problems since then. I was treated with atenolol 50 mg. But I am still in constant pain on chest which starts from stomach. I feel that some bubble breaks in stomach and give release. I feel pain in neck, jaw, fatigue darkness around eyes. I never felt these problems before angiography. I want to know either these problems are associated with LAD bridging or I have stomach disease
Ilyas, Lahore, Pakistan, November 1, 2009

• 39 year old male recently diagnosed myocardial bridging my cardiologist says there nothing that can be done and not to worry, but my father died of a heart attack at age 35 in 1980. I continue to have chest pains when I am in stressful situations and I am looking for a doctor that may have a different thought to this type of diagnosis. I live in Tampa Fl. but can travel.
John K., Tampa, Florida, USA, October 26, 2009

• Robert from Tampa: Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of myocardial bridging! I was diagnosed a year ago with my mb and have been on a quest to find out all I can about the problem. After reading some of the posts below, I consider myself lucky since I have relatively minor symptoms. That can be good and bad--bad since 1/4 of the heart attacks that occur are silent (without symptom of pain) and I've already had several episodes of cardiac ischemia with no symptoms. Since mb is a fairly new finding and it is only found on autopsy or via cardiac cath, most of the information you will find is on the web. I would search for info so that you can become comfortable with what the VA is doing as far as treatment is concerned and you can become your own advocate. Medications to open the mb seem to be the standard of care at this time. Surgical options have not been completely successful. For some people stents work and for others a bypass is necessary but these are procedures that are performed only when absolutely necessary to prevent damage to the heart muscle. Hope you find this helpful and that you take the advice to learn all you can.
Sheila, Denton, Texas, USA, September 28, 2009

• Hi everyone. I am a 52 year old male and I was told today that I have Bridging of the lad not sure what is up or what can be done but all the VA wants to do is give out meds. Can anyone please tell me what I can do .Thanks.
Robert, Tampa, Florida, USA, August 25, 2009

• I am a 62 year old female (an RN) with myocardial bridging of the mid portion of my LAD. I have a 45% occlusion just proximal to the bridge. My only symptoms are an insignificant shortness of breath when I walk too far or too fast and a fifteen year history of multifocal premature ventricular contractions at rest. The PVCs now come if I lie on my left side or bend forward for any length of time. After EKGs showed transient cardiac ischemia, T wave abnormalities and the arrhythmias, I underwent stress testing. The only notable information that came from that was a minor MVP. My last stress echo showed a narrowing in one of my vessels that was not detected before. I was given a left heart cath and diagnosed with the bridge in August, 2007. I was put on isosorbide DN. I was already on Atenolol (off label use for PVCs) and Digoxin (for a previous run of atrial fibrillation). Two things frighten me the most about the new problem: that I have had no cardiac pain--even with the ischemia--and that I have significant blockage in one coronary artery, with good control of my cholesterol since it first began to rise. My cardiologist indicates that had I not had good control of my cholesterol and not been a cardiac nurse early in my career, I would be a statistic--not the best news to hear. Currently I am being encouraged to walk one hour each day and to continue with the activities I've been doing--which includes full time work. Since I love my work and feel it keeps my spirits up, I am glad that this problem has not forced me to stop. The arrhythmia has worsened this year, and since that is my main indicator of a worsening of my cardiac disease, I can forsee that time will eventually come. I am grateful for this format--and hope my information will help others.
Sheila Kelly, Denton, Texas, USA, February 6, 2009

• just diagnosed by angiogram in sept 2008 increased verapamil from 80 mg twice a day to 240 mg in morning and 120 evening also isosorbide 15 mg night to 30 mg night don't think the calcium channel blockers work as well as the atenolol 50 mg am and pm i was taking for high blood pressure. before i had chest pains. raised verapamil and isosorbide doses within the month and again the next month .. nitro pills give an immediate headache .4mg but found that a nitro patch daily help me deal with less pain .2 mg hr. wearing patch for at least 14 hours. My brother just had his second stint at 50 so when i went in the hospital with chest pains at 48 they kept telling my sisters id be out in a couple of hours but i kept telling them i still had pain even with all the meds , So they finally realized that my brother had been in for chronic heart problems and had just been released from the emergency room a week ago with his second stint. If not for that they probably would have sent me home with indigestion isn't it always indigestion the first thing they give you is chalky stuff even though i had already taken several nitros before i came in to the er . so due to current family admission they checked me in and skipped my stress test and went strait to the angiogram. which is the only way anyone can get a diagnosis on myocardial bridging even though they thought i was in need of a stent my pulse runs slow in the 50s at rest but bp was always borderline.. my doc has only seen bridging 3 times in 10 years and the second was mine the third was the guy right after me... before the angiogram they had to shut off the alarm on the low pulse rate because it kept going off nice low pulse while resting but heart pounds too hard and forcefully . the cardiologist gave my personal doc a note indicating she could increase meds. Not happy with my pressures i asked her to increase my meds twice then after 2 months to give me the nitro patch. since i have started using the patch i have occasionally taken a couple of nitro pills and aspirin while wearing the patch. when i felt it necessary due to pain or tingling in my left arm. family history of easy clotting doesn't help. also taking fish oil tabs since i don't eat fish. isosorbide and the nitro patch help me the most now i think. a friend of the family who used to be in pharmacist and still hold a a licence to dispense when needed to fill in in that department , said she thought i should be on a combination of beta and calcium blockers. i never was athletic and was diagnosed with MIGRAINES probably at the age of 8 or 10 thought it was due to the whooping cough but it probably was the congenital defect. talk about a misdiagnosis ... that was back in the 70's i finally requested and got an image file from the cardio lab which was more informative with these blogs than my cardiologist that did the angiogram. his opinion is nothing he can do but medicines to relax the heart . definitely have to check out the specialist i had the stress test scheduled with .. i never made it to see him ended up with the in town cardiologist who only does stints . he told me my heart was strong and would chew up a stint and spit it out, maybe that's because i was always a heavy coffee drinker . suppose i should never have started taking calcium supplements a couple of years ago thinking that it would be good for my heart .. not that's funny . Is anyone else using a nitro patch during the daytime in your drug therapy maybe it might help. wasn't gonna post but no one else has been mentioning using a nitro patch and it seems to help keep the pain to a mild one that is bearable.
Steve Redwing, Prairie Lakes Healthcare Systems, Watertown, South Dakota, USA, January 15, 2009

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