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Current Postings on This Page (66):
• 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
• I am a 44 year old woman with mb in my lad...med's
were tried first after someone finally took me seriously..so much meds
couldn't get out of bed w/o wanting a nap and eventually meds weren't
enough...doc who found bridge placed three piggyback stents and continued
w/meds...did
beautifully for almost 2 years and then last august had a heart attack...bridge
clogged up 100%...fortunately was taken to cath lab immediately and had
fourth stent put in...have had irregular heartbeats and told not to worry
also w/ bridge....had few episodes and had another cath this past may
showed nothing....now other day severe pain chest radiating in between
shoulder
blades couldn't stand it went to emergency room they found normal ekg,
normal 1st enzyme and kept me 24 hours...2nd and third and fourth enzyme
were elevated slightly but still considered negative for mi...released
send home...now home and pain is there upon exertion and goes away with
rest...called cardiologist and said if not cardiac what do i do? he asked
and told me that i should have a thallium stress test asap and if couldn't
wait three days meet him in heart tower and he would cath me. now sitting
on couch trying to decide if i'm nuts ...if pain is something else...dont
know....first doc that was great is Dr. Samin Sharma w/ Mt. Sinai Hospital
in NYC...Mary ann McLaughlin was my cardiologist there and believed me
before dr. sharma did cath and found....my doc now is from si and i love
him too he takes me seriously...hope this isn't my bridge and something
else.....
FB, New York, USA, November 22, 2008
• My husband is 43 years old and was diagnosed with
myocardial bridging last week after having a heart cath. Doctors say this
is good news because it
was not blockages! Go figure. He has been sick since his mid twenties with
DVT, pulmonary embolisms, TIA's, rare blood clotting disorder, unknown
autoimmune
dif., upper and lower gastro problems, COPD, high cholesterol and triglycerides,
severe joint pain, several UTIs, high blood pressure, elevated liver enzymes,
and too many more to name. He has been hospitalized several times a year for
these conditions with no explanations. He currently sees a hematologist, cardiologist,
autoimmune specialist, a gastro doctor, and his regular PCP. My question is
does anyone else who has had myocardial bridging have any of these other
symptoms?
His cardiologist says that none of this is connected but I am not sure if I
buy that. We are currently trying to see about admitting him into a research
hospital
where someone may be able to diagnose the what is causing all of this. I do
not believe that his Doctors have time to research him as a whole. They
only fix
the problem at the moment and then we move to the next problem. I am convinced
that one person can not have this many different problems. I believe the problems
are feeding off of one another. Anyone else out there have any of the same
complications?
D., Louisiana, USA, September 22, 2008
• Found out Monday I have systolic bridge of 40%
in LAD. Also distal to that bridge is 75% blockage. Cardiologists were
unable to stent or perform angioplasty due to the vessel being so small
in diameter. They said it wouldn't hold. So, my question is, do I just
wait until I have an MI & hope I survive it? Is this significant? Current
treatment is Toprol 50 mg daily, Norvasc 2.5 mg daily, Aspirin 81 mg daily & Crestor
daily. Please tell me how bad this is so I can relax!! I'm 38 years old.
Kiersten Clark, Wagoner, Oklahoma, USA, September 18, 2008
• I am 35 year old male recently diagnosed with
myocardial bridging. I was recently put in the hospital for 5 days where
they did a cath that verified it.
The cardiologist offered me surgery but in the end told my bridging was very
small and wouldn't even talk to me about the surgery and then just put me on
more medications. I'm still having chest pains. I've been waiting for an appt
to
see
the cardiologist at the va here in detroit since april.
Mathew Burcham, Dearborn, Michigan, USA, August 11, 2008
• I am a cardiologist from the Philippines, recently
was admitted for shortness of breath, severe chest heaviness which radiated
to my epigarstric area (stomach). Thought that was the end, but got relief
after 7 hours when I asked for Nitroglycerine sublingual. I had my Angiogram
recently and it showed myocardial bridging at LAD. I hope not to go through
the same symptoms that I had recently. I am scheduled for Nuclear Imaging
to check for myocardial ischemia and hopefully results will be normal,
but most importantly I want to be chest pain free and not to get short
of breath which I still have even on ordinary activities.
Maria Theresa A. Tolentino, Manila, Philippines, August 2, 2008
• Hello everyone, I am 55 and was just diagnosed
with myocardial bridge. My Dr. said that I have had it since birth, then
why it is condition causing
me so much problem now? Does this condition get worse with age? How is the
degree of the myocardial bridge classified. Is there a web site that provides
information
about myocardial bridge? How do you find a Dr. that specializes in this condition?
Do you locate a regular cardiologist or a surgeon? I live near Chicago. Thank
you for any assistance.
Rosemary, Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 21, 2008
• This is Denise again. This week I have seen
7 doctors: 3 kidney, 3 cardiologists and 1 cardiac surgeon. I truly believe
what they have to say to me. #1 I should be dead after my first child
was born. Apparently that is the main cause of death in young women 95%.
I
was 19, and survived. 7 miscarriages and 2 more live births{over 11 years].
I was diagnosed with this in 03/02 the bridge covers 45% of the LAD.
I have not and will not ever make collateral veins that help to keep the
left ventricle pumping. The back of the left ventricle is dying a little
more every day. Now that I have started in SVT rate over 140-170 and
drop
in blood pressure to 40/0. Syncope [fainting spells] has started and
I wrecked our vehicle. Thank god no one was hurt.
I am headed to Houston
on Monday to start the guinea pig tests. 20 doctors including the ones
that I have at home are all in on this. I am going to be given all the
tests that need to be done and right beside the test will be my % [the
chance that I will live or come off the table] I am apparently a rare occurrence.
Please keep me in your prayers because the invasive test only give me
1
percent - 30 percent. Thank you for this forum. I would be glad to help
anyone that is having a hard time coping. All the tests results I will
post, but when the % rate goes down I will probably head home with medication
be with my family and do the things that mean the most important to me.
Consider this
a
[denise shotz] with more to follow -- icudskid@sbcglobal.net
Denise Sheppard, by my self looking for answers, Orangefield, Texas, USA, May
23,
2008
• Denise -- if you haven't already, read through
the other posts here. A few patients report having had positive results
from surgery, and they name the surgeons. Perhaps you could contact these
physicians to see if they would give you a second opinion after viewing
your medical records and angiograms.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 8, 2008
• I am a 49 year old female. 6 years ago was diagnosed
with myocardial bridging over the LAD. The LAD is the size of 6 year
old child's. The bridge covers 40%
of LAD. I went to Dr. Jimmy Howell (famous surgeon pioneered heart surgery).
After looking at the arteriogram, there was nothing that could be done. Now,
I am having sustained SVT rate 140 - 160. Severe chest pain, shortness of breath,
fatigue, radiating pain to neck and left arm. Since there is very little known,
I want to know if this the end stage of the disease. Propranolol is useful to
decrease the SVT, but it doesn't last very long. Please let me know if there
is something else that can be done. If not then be honest with me because I need
to get my
family ready Thank You.
Denise, East Texas, USA, May 7, 2008
• to 28 year old patient
in Kentucky, I live in
Louisville, I am 42 and was just diagnosed with Myocardial bridging. I
also have lived with PSVT's for 10 years. My pain has gradually worsened
over the last 6 months and the meds they put me on don't seem to be making
a difference. I am trying to find a good
specialist. How about you?
L., Louisville, Kentucky, USA, May 5, 2008
• Jeroen -- treatment for myocardial bridging will
depend greatly on your heart's anatomy and progression of symptoms. Besides
medical therapy, which you are on, other options are catheter-based angioplasty
and stenting or open heart surgery where a resectioning may fix
the bridging.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 28, 2008
• hello my name is Jeroen (36) and I am from holland.
I am also diagnosed with Myocardial bridging. I had high frequency rhythm
of the heart, and i was
worried. I went to hospital and i got a cath. and there they saw the long bridging
of the LAD. My condition is very well and i have no chest pains. My doctor put
me on high medication (200 mg metropolol) and i doing well, but i am little
bit worried. My doctor says when it's necessary they will operate on me. I
want to know how do they operate on this? they don't cut in muscle i think?
Does anyone
have
some answers?
Jeroen, Holland, April 22, 2008
• I am a 28 year old female. in otherwise good
health and body weight. I was diagnosed with myocardial bridging 2 years
ago. I have been having chest pain since Jan 2006 bad and they are getting
worse. I can not lead a normal active life and I admit seeing other people
my age go about daily tasks makes me sad because I cannot do what they
do. I experience chest pain, pain in my left arm that radiates into my
neck and face and left side. I get winded at mild tasks and my heart
rate goes extremely high upon walking around. I have also been diagnosed
with
SVT but believe now it is the myocardial bridge causing the problems.
I have been told recently of bypass surgery which my insurance will not
cover
easily might help. If not stents are recommended. PLEASE IF ANYONE KNOWS
SOMETHING TO HELP TELL ME.......I LIVE IN CONSTANT PAIN:( 28 YRS OLD
and feels 82.
28 year old female, Kentucky, USA, March 13, 2008
• I am a 39 year old with stable and unstable angina
for the last 15 months. I had a stent placed in the junction of the LAD
in August 2007. I still experience
pain intermittently and quality of life has been compromised. Prior to the
angina, I was in great physical condition thru running and weightlifting.
Last month
I sought a second medical opinion and cardiologist informed me of a muscle
bridge. I am very frustrated and needing answers. Can anyone please advise?
Al Cabrera, Houston, Texas, February 4, 2008
• Janet -- EECP has been around a while. In fact
we have a Forum Topic on it here. The
idea is that it "trains" the circulation and heart to pump more efficiently
by using inflatable cuffs on legs, etc. that are timed with your heart
beat. It's been proven to help some patients, but not all -- however, there
are some very well-regarded heart clinics that use EECP for relief of angina
when other therapies haven't work. Read the Forum Topic for more specifics.
One of the companies that makes the equipment also has more info on their
wbe site. It's at vasomedical.com.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 4, 2008
• my cardiologist has suggested EECP therapy for
treatment of a rather large LAD myocardial bridge that was just diagnosed
in me in 08/07. Have you ever heard of this and do you think it a valid
treatment.
Janet Womack, USA, February 4, 2008
• Is the right lower lung pain after lifting or
pushing heavy objects normal? Status post CABG 11-12-07. The pain feels
like the pain I had with deep inspiration, coughing, etc. When the
chest tubes were still in. Sometimes it is so bad that it hurts when i
turn
over in bed - like it hurt in the first few weeks immediately following
my surgery.
It is the right lower lung pain that is preventing me from going back
to work. The right and left chest wall pain after lifting, pushing, or
driving
is tolerable for me. I presently don't have a cardiologist and have
been released from the care of my cardiac surgeon. I would greatly appreciate
some feedback on this soon because I see my PCP later this week and
can
request
the appropriate referrals.
Cindy, Illinois, USA, February 3, 2008
• Diane,
I am the 50 year old female that sent the posting
to cardiology
forum on November 5th. I ended up having a CABG of the lad on Nov. 12th.
I was unable to have the less invasive surgery. I am not quite ready to return
to my
job, which requires lifting, but hope to return within the next two weeks. (14
weeks total) My cardiac surgeon was Ralph James Damiano of Barnes Jewish Hospital
in St. Louis, Missouri. Google him. You will be very impressed with his credentials.
You can e-mail him. He may be able to recommend a cardiac surgeon closer to you.
I honestly believe that Dr. Damiano saved my life. My symptoms were so severe
and the bridging so long, that I was one of those patients definitely at high
risk for an MI. Dr. Damiano told me he didn't think I would have survived much
longer without surgery. I was up walking around two days after the surgery and
released from the hospital four days after the surgery. I live alone, but had
home health care from Barnes
and my oldest and best friend flew out from California for two weeks to take
care of me. I'm told that my recovery has been phenomenally fast, but it seems
slow for me! At first, it was even difficult to open and close doors. Driving
still bothers me somewhat, lifting or pushing a shopping cart can cause me pain
for days, especially with deep breathing or coughing. The chest pain is chest
muscle pain and is gradually going away. The most difficult thing for me is pacing
my activities and alternating it with adequate rest. I have no regrets. If you
have any questions, feel free to e-mail
me.
Cindy, Illinois, USA, February 2, 2008
• I had an extensive anterior MI on Dec 17.2007.
I was told that I had a bend (myocardial bridge) and had a dissection
of the artery somewhere in that area with caused bleeding which blocked
the
distal LAD. The angioplasty was only partially able to clear that blockage,
thus the MI. All of my other coronaries were clear of arteriosclerosis
and my cholesterol has been low for years. My ejection fraction a day
after the MI was 30-35% and I was told by the cardiologist who did the
angioplasty
that if after cardiac rehab the repeat echo does not show improvement
of the EF I would probably need an implanted defibrillator. I am finding
all
of the above comments interesting because today for the second time I've
been experiencing chest tightness and pressure which started while shopping
and lifting and pushing a grocery cart. Just before this I had a session
of cardiac rehab and felt fine throughout and right afterwards. I am
on Lisinopril 10mg, lopressor 12.5mg plavix, and Zocor. I'm definitely
calling
my cardiologist tomorrow. In reading all of your comments I concur with
all of you about the seriousness of a myocardial bridge as you can see
from what happened to me and I hope the medical professionals can look
into addressing this condition more
effectively.
Barbara Hugh, Natick, Massachusetts, USA, January 30, 2008
• I COULD BE A SUCCESS STORY-time will tell. I am 47 years old and I was
diagnosed with myocardial bridge last August '07 at North Shore University Hospital
in Manhasset, NY. I had all the symptoms with increasing intensity culminating
in a 7-hour heart attack at the hospital. The pain would not quit- even with
morphine. A few days later, I had open heart surgery performed by Dr. Adam Arnofsky.
aarnofsk@nshs.edu 516-562-4970. Before Dr. Arnofsky came into the scene, Dr.
William Berger, 516- 488-4428 appeared to be the only one who figured out what
he was looking at regarding my angiogram and tossed the previous "spasm" theory
out the window where it belonged. The surgeon removed the part of the heart that
was choking my artery and all of the extreme symptoms are gone. However, I still
have some symptoms with minimal activity. As my symptoms persist, I may seek
another opinion at Saint Francis in Port Washington, NY, which is supposed to
be a leading Cardiac Hospital.
A.B., New York, USA, December 17, 2007
• I am a 30 year old female. Two years ago I had
my first attack of pain that went through my chest, arm, neck, back, stomach
and face. Since then it has happened in my leg area also. My arm and leg
goes weak after also. I went to my local hospital and the EKG they did
was normal. What happened to me really freaked me out. Well I left the
hospital and it happened again and the pain was worse and lasted longer.
So I decided to have someone take me to the hospital again. I went to a
better hospital the next time. Everything came back alright. Well on the
way home it happened again. Well I went to 2 doctors even was having severe
chest pains in one of the doctor's office, and they did nothing. I waited
in the first one's office with the chest pain for over 2 hours. I was treated
so terribly I lost all faith with doctors. But I knew I could not go on
like this. It felt like I was dying the pain was so horrible and so constant.
Finally I had enough and I decided to take things into my own hands. I
made a cardiologist appointment myself. I had all the normal test done
and it showed I had irregular heartbeat and pvc's. He put me on a beta
blocker, along with my cholesterol pills, well the beta blockers helped
a little but not enough. I was still having horrible pains so he gave me
the nitro spray. Well that helped sometimes, but the pain would come back
later on in the day . Finally he decided to do a cardiac cath, and they
found a myocardial bridging in the LAD. I was switched previously from
the beta blockers to calcium channel blockers which after the cardiac cath
they left me on. They told me to take my same meds and there was nothing
they could do for me . The doctor after he did the cardiac cath wouldn't
even talk to m . During the cath he talked about other doctors' homes with
one of the nurses, and when I went for the follow up they sent an RN to
tell me what I had and acted as though it was nothing. Then proceeded to
tell me to get my stomach checked which I had already had done. They always
want to pass you off on another doctor, they don't want to deal with what
you have because they just can't admit that they don't know how to deal
with it. The doctor told the nurse during the surgery
, " oh she doesn't have no blockage , she is fine" Well I am sorry myocardial
bridging is a form of blockage , and no one is doing a damn thing about it from
what I have seen and read about it". People and there lives are suffering unnecessarily
from this condition. Why won't anyone address this problem?? Rachel, 32, female,
Louisiana
Rachel, Louisiana, USA, December 12, 2007
• I'm a 40yr.and had a Cardiac Catheterization done
4 yrs ago. which i was
told i had "Double Vessel Disease. Long Myocardial Bridge in LAD With Moderate
Stenosis(LAD-PROXIMAL,TUBULAR 50% LESION, MYOCARDIAL BRIDGE DIAG1(PROXIMAL)TUBULAR
40%LESION. The pain gets worse everyday.My job requires me to lift 80lbs box,
which i just started 3weeks ago before i was sent back to hospital for chest
pain and
pain in left arm and neck.They will not let me go back to work yet but nothing
has been done about it. I have high Cholesterol which they have me on 3meds for
this but can't get it down. My EKGs are abnormal. But they won't do surgery why?They
just keep feeding me Meds.that is not working. I do take Nitro, which helps the
pain but its there. Can someone tell me a good Heart Doctor to get this fixed.
I
have no life because of the pain.
Emerson, Ohio, USA, November 23, 2007
• I just turned 47 and was diagnosed with myocardial
bridging two months after my mother passed away from heart disease. Since
then I have been told it is unrepairable. I have chest pains and tightness
of the chest and when this occurs I get very sick to my stomach. Because
of no insurance I cant even get my Rx's. But just for everyone else's
info check into Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
Thanks for all the great info.
Tammy D., Oregon, USA, November 22, 2007
• I am a 32 year old wife and mother of an active
4 year old. I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse and an arrhythmia
during my pregnancy. I was told
not to eat or drink caffeine. Since then I have fought with my cardiologist and
got a second opinion and nothing changed. Finally I went to my PCP and cried
uncontrollably in his office until he called my cardiologist and requested other
tests to be done. My cardiologist requested a Coronary ct scan but my insurance
would not cover the test so the did a chest ct scan which showed a third heart
condition. Myocardial Bridging of my LAD. They have me taking a B Blocker but
all that does is make me not want to get out of bed in the morning. I still have
pain everyday all day long and I don't know what to do. I am seeking a third
opinion but I don't feel confident after reading other testimonies concerning
MB of the LAD. I'm looking for a specialist willing to take action. If anyone
can help please e-mail
me.
Diane B., Arizona, USA, November
13,
2007
• I am a 47 yo woman who was just diagnosed with
myocardial bridging of the LAD yesterday. Three years ago I was stented
after a 95% blockage of the LAD in the same place as the bridging was
discovered yesterday. After reading these postings, I am really afraid...am
I looking
at surgery? Where do I find a cardiologist who is well versed in this
diagnosis? I am told that I have had this since birth. I can remember several
instances
where I suffered from chest pain and it was written off as indigestion...my
cardiologist even wrote it off as indigestion immediately following my
stent three years ago, because all of my cardiac testing was normal.
Anyone who can help, please let me know--I got married a year and a half
ago,
and now more than ever would like to live a normal
life...
Edi, Newark Valley, New York, USA, November 6, 2007
• I am a fifty year old female who is also an ER
RN. One night while I was working, I experienced chest pain with shortness
of breath. I had a tech do a 12 lead EKG which showed abnormal, but I was
not having a heart attack. I was hospitalized for two days. My stress test
was negative, but because of high blood pressure, shortness of breath,
family history of MIs and continued intermittent chest pain, I requested
a cardiac cath on the advice of physician friends. It showed no blockages,
but a myocardial bridge midway on the LAD. I was told by the cardiologist
that the only way to "fix" the bridge was a CABG, but the benefits weren't
worth the risks. On the advice of the same physician friends, I have found
a cardiologist that does minimally invasive cardiac surgery and am going
to attempt to have the bridge removed as opposed to having a by-pass graft.
I get short of breath with minimal exertion, am having trouble controlling
my blood pressure, experience constant fatigue, and continue to have intermittent
chest pain. I have an appointment with another cardiologist tomorrow that
does minimally invasive surgery and I will let you all know how it goes.
This is affecting my quality of life. I need to rest after taking a shower.
I have been prescribed Xanax and told to get a less stressful job. I love
my job an am my sole support. I feel that if this type of surgery can be
done, the benefits will outweigh the risks. Pray for me. Cindy
Cindy, Illinois, USA, November 5, 2007
• 59 year old man, had angio, ct, and stress test.
The angio test showed that one of my artery is 50% blocked and no need
for statin. I am diabetic patient for last 18 years, my LDL is 80 and
HDL is 51, and my blood pressure is normal. I am start taking statin, beside
numerous diabetic pills. My heart doctor told me to come back after one
year. My son read my CT and he says I have myocardial bridge. I have
some
time little chest pain. I walked at least 3 to 4 miles a day and start
jogging for ten minutes, and no breathing problem. Need some
advice.
S., Illinois, USA, October 25, 2007
• I'm 52 yrs. young and was diagnosed with myocardial
bridge in Aug. after being rushed to CCU with symptoms of a heart attack.
I had an echo-cardiogram,
ultrasound and heart cath. Blood work ruled out the heart attack (thank God);
the other tests showed that I have no blockages and a very strong, healthy
heart. I do have mild to moderate leakage in my mitral valve. I then had
an exercising
stress test to see if the BP medication would control problems and I passed.
My cardiologist doesn't think the bridge caused the symptoms (there was no
significant stress; no indications, etc.). They now they think it's related
to stomach problems.
I honestly think the attack was brought on by interactions with herbal supplements
that I had just started taking. I quit taking them and am having no problems.
But, it's always in the back of my mind...no real solutions if it starts causing
problems. The stent sounds troublesome and open heart surgery to move the artery
is risky at best! I also tire a lot more since the medication is designed to
keep my BP lower and allow my heart to rest more in between beats.
DKS, New York, USA, October 9, 2007
• I am 43. On August 27th, 2007 I went in for a
cardiac catheterization following a abnormal Stress test.(And new cardiologist
said 2 previous normal
EKG's were
actually abnormal) I was told I had "Moderate Myocardial bridging of the proximal
and mid left anterior descending". I was started on a low dose of Toprol XL.
My other doctors keep referring to my heart test as normal, it must not be to
normal if I have to keep seeing a cardiologist and be put on medication. I annoys
me because I have mild chest pain pretty much on a daily basis and it always
feels like someone is sitting on my chest or like the air is old and stale with
no real oxygen in it. No one
I have seen takes this seriously.
DeAnn, Texas, USA, October 5, 2007
• It is nice to see that people are willing
to help others by sharing their health issues. I was diagnosed with myocardial
bridging after a failed stress test and heart cath. I was put on beta
blockers, calcium blockers and nitro. I had very little relief and went
off the medications
due to the side effects. I am told by my doctors that many people are
diagnosed with this and live normal lives. My frustration is what about
the people
who are not. I am forty one and feel and living like I am much older.
It greatly affects me emotionally since I have three kids and can't do
the
things a normal healthy father can do. I also have trouble with the fact
that no one understands why you feel the way you do and then makes you
to feel it is all in your head. so I thank you all for helping me to
validate my condition and realize it is not just in my head.
Tony, Missouri, USA, July 21, 2007
• I am a 48 year old female who was diagnosed with
a 3cm myocardial bridge over the LAD. My stress test was so severe, my
family doctor had my husband drive me to the hospital the day he got the
results. The cardiologist did an CT of my coronary arteries which is a
3-D image of the arteries which is supposed to detail what is going on
in there to avoid unnecessary cardiac caths. It showed a MAJOR blockage
in that artery. The cath was performed and revealed the bridge. My cardiologist
also said that it was nothing to worry about,that I do not have coronary
artery disease and that it is an alternative anatomy of the coronary arteries
and very common. He has me on 480mg of Cardizem, 40mg Lipitor, 30mg Imdur,
20mg Lisinopril. A lot of drugs for something so insignificant I think.
I seldom have chest tightness any more, only when I am extremely stressed
so the drugs work, so far. Why do doctors act like they will lose the respect
of the medical community to admit that this condition is real and IS significant?
From all that I have read, the Japanese cardiologists are the only ones
who take this seriously and are willing to research treatment for us. My
doctor won't admit to my having anything wrong with me, he won't even document
the bridge in my progress notes (I'm a medical case auditor and have access
to my record)he only calls it 'coronary spasms', but he is giving me mega
doses of drugs for it and I'm doing better. When other doctors see my drug
list and ask me why I'm taking all that stuff, I tell them it is for spasms
and they say that I do not need that much medication. This is VERY frustrating.
I have hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and mild to moderate pulmonary
hypertension. My cardiologist sees me every 6 months. I do not complain
about my symptoms to my other doctors because they act like I am imagining
them. I am not.
Darlene F., Michigan, USA, June 9, 2007
• My husband is 54 and recently diagnosed with myocardial
bridging. He experiences severe chest pain but all tests are negative for
heart attack. He was recently placed on a nitro patch and nitro pills.
(He has other risk factors for heart attack, including diabetes, high cholesterol,
high blood pressure controlled with meds, and family history.) His cardiologist
has also diagnosed him with coronary vasospasm. I am looking for a cardiologist
who specializes in myocardial bridging in the Massachusetts area.
Paula R., Rhode Island, USA, March 9, 2007
• Hello all ok here's my story never a pain but
my health was going down hill just not feeling good no one understanding
why i had this chest pain or pressure etc had a test done showed a blockage
in an artery in neck my doctor that day sent me to a cardio doc who ordered
a stress test and i failed the next am in for a cath, there is it myocardial
bridging since then i have been on all kinds of beta blockers etc I'm getting
worse i cant do nothing much without the pressure or tightness. found the
cleveland clinic on my way thurs this week the 8th they have a section
on there own website on it www.clevelandclinic.org and they have one in
fla too wishing you all the best i am tired of going thru this i am 49
if you wish to email i will answer just after i get back that will be on
monday the 12th cross them fingers for me god bless all hang in there
Ellen, Eastpointe, Michigan, USA, March 6, 2007
• My husband has been diagnosed with Myocardial
bridging he has frequent chest pain and weakness. He is 60 Years old and
this gets worse the older he gets. The cardiologist says that the bridging
is not a problem and is going to do nothing. Can we get some help? Please
post my e-mail address so I can get help with this problem. Thank you
Brenda
Merchant (brendamerchant@yahoo.com), Caseville, Michigan, USA,
February 21, 2007
• Reply to To Tony
Clark--I have been going throught the same thing you have--I am 52 & have
been diagnosed for over 6 years with the myocardial bridge--no one seeems
to wnat to help me get this fixed!can someone please direct me to a surgeon
in Florida or somewhere that can help me!
Morna M., Florida, USA, February 10, 2007
• IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT MYOCARDIAL BRIDGINGS CAN
CAUSE SYSTOLIC COMPRESSION OF CORONARY ARTERIES, HOWEVER, IT IS LESS CLEARLY
UNDERSTOOD THAT THE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE IT CARRIES. IN CASE OF STENTING
TO AVERT THE SUPPOSEDLY ISCHEMIC EVENT, I URGE CAUTION. I AM A CARDIAC
SURGEON. I HAVE SEEN 2 CASES OF FRACTURE WITH RESULTING THROMBOSIS FOR
SUPPOSEDLY BRIDGING INDUCED MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA. SURGERY COULD BE AN OPTION
FOR TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY ISCHEMIA BY INCISING THE CONTRICTING MUSCLE.
I HAVE NO SUCH EXPERINCE DUE TO THE CONSERVATISM OF CARDIOLOGISTS HERE
THOUGH. WE JUST HAVE NOT ENOUGH DATA TO TELL SUCH PATIENTS WHAT IS THE
BEST THING TO DO.
WENYI Y., TAIWAN, November 24, 2006
• I'm sorry C. from Arizona but I'm afraid your
response is a load of bunk ! A myocardial bridge DOES inhibit blood flow
to the heart. It's not as apparent when you are young but as you age the
natural progression of all arterial lumens begin. Some more than others,
and that's where the pain can start. The heart needs its arteries open
all the time, not just on diastole. Please do not give out info that can
be false without doing homework first.
Rob M, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, September 27, 2006
• I am a 56 year old patient just diagnosed with
myocardial bridging 2 days ago. I am being treated with Laxapro 50 mg per
day-unable to give results yet. I am trying to find out if this can be
inherited or pasted onto my children?
Jean Nawfel, Fairfield, Maine, USA, August 20, 2006
• We've seen numerous patients with myocardial bridging
at our Cardiac Cath Lab. Seldom are they treated with stenting or medication.
One reason is that on contraction of the heart (systole) the bridged artery
is at its narrowest; fortunately blood flows into the coronary arteries
upon relaxation (diastole) of the heart. Blood flow is not inhibited to
the heart muscle.
C., Arizona, USA, August 1, 2006
• I was diagnosed with a myocardial bridge last
June, with chest pains, difficulty in breathing. I am 42, diagnosed with
anxiety induced chest pains. Ironically I used to be a heart nurse , I
had never had chest pain. I had to literally order a cath. done. They said
I had 20 to 30% stenosis and it wasn't serious. I have had ongoing problems
with it since then. I think stress plays a role and how you handle it,
I do take klonopin which helped great at first but it is losing its effectiveness
and then started using dilitiazem a Ca channel blocker with fair results
but I do not like the side effects. Some days I feel like I cannot breath
well, dull chest pain. And it is very aggravating. I go to UAB, one of
the top cardiac centers in the u.s. and what I have found that stents on
work for a short period and surgery outweighs the benefits. I may try the
nitric oxide enhancing amino acids that were discovered by the nobel prize
winner, who subsequently wrote a book, using arginine, citrulline, alpha
lipoic acid, and a few other supplements. I am not sure if it will help
dilate the vessel more or if it is a good idea? Any ideas?
Neal Dyar, Patient at UAB hospital, Birmingham, Al., Decatur,
AL., July 27, 2006
• I've been having intermittent chest pain for the
past three months. I had a stress test with thallium, echocardiogram, and
several EKG's. The stress test showed some blockage in the lower left corner
of the heart. I had a cardiac cath. and was diagnosed with a mild systolic
bridging of the mid segment of the left anterior descending. I still don't
know what all these words mean. What concerns me is the the doctor put
me on Toprol 1/2 of the pill in the morning, half in the evening. I should
avoid stress and strenuous work. The cardiologist said that the only way
to fix this problem is open heart surgery, however, he doesn't recommend
it unless it gets severe. I'm not the same person and the pain some days
is severe to mild most of the time. I'm willing to have surgery to have
it fixed, even if it's risky. I just want to have a normal life again.
I'm having a second opinion with a specialist in three weeks but I feel
this is too long of a wait. There are several cases of heart attacks in
my father's side of the family. I'm very scared.
Irene M. , Florida, USA, July 25, 2006
• I am a heart patient and two years ago I received
a stent for one of my myocardial bridges. It has helped some in the pain
but I still get spasms but they aren't as severe as before. Will there
be a point in that my stent won't be effective and I will have to undergo
bypass surgery?
Karen Hickey, self, Boise,Idaho USA, June 12, 2006
• I am a 55 year old female who was recently diagnosed
with a Myocardial Bridge. I have experienced a squeezing pain off & on
in my chest since about the age of 10. In my younger years I was told it
was growing pains as well as I was imagining things. As I got older the
pain continued and it occurred more often. I was told it could be stress,
heart burn or again I was imagining things. My Ekgs were always normal.
I had normal echo's and various stress tests, all normal. My chest pain
continued, my Cardiologist suggested a heart cath.,which revealed the bridge.
He said I have most likely had this since birth. I am taking a beta blocker
and nitro. I continue to have the squeezing pain which the nitro often
does not give me relief. I was told my other option would be surgery. How
risky is the surgery?. Should I consider this as an option or is there
anything new as a treatment?
Jodie, USA, April 25, 2006
• i have had the Dx of LAD bridging for 2 years
now. They found this during a heart cath. My cardiologist said that it
was nothing to worry about and my chest pain was non-cardiac. I was even
told i had anxiety. For the last year, I have just lived with the chest
pain. I can not take a beta-blocker as I have hypotension. It is nice to
have found this site. I do have an abnormal ekg, and sinus tachycardia.
thanks for the information. I think I will be finding a different cardiologist.
John D., Maryland, USA, April 20, 2006
• I was just told Wednesday I either have an LAD
myocardial bridge, which is"no big deal" or an LAD blockage. I was given
the option of low risk treatment or a cath. I go in today for the cath.
Will I have a blockage, will it be stented, drug eluding or otherwise,
and will it help or will I need bypass? Barbara VG Rn near Tampa Florida,
USA, RN/PAtient
Barbara Van Gundy, St Josephs Hospital, Tampa , January 26,
2006
• I suffered with myocardial
bridging. I was diagnosed in 2000, I experienced severe chest pain daily
sometimes only for a few moments other times it lasted all day on and off.
It made it very difficult to be productive on a daily basis. My Cardiologist's
4 of them all tried treating me with medication, calcium blockers, beta
blockers, nitro (which usually offered some relief) but not always,and
numerous other meds. They also tested for gastro problems which all tests
came back normal. I thought I was going crazy, all the tests we ran: ekgs,
stress tests, blood work etc.. nothing was showing then I was rushed to
the ER again for chest pain, again everything normal. I was admitted and
scheduled for another stress test the following morning, the next morning
came and prior to the stress test they ran another EKG.. Bingo, something
didn't look right, Inverted T-waves, I was rushed in for cardiac cath..
it was then I was diagnosed with the Bridging of the LAD, which was severe.
After almost 3 horrible years of playing with medications which made me
feel worse and still experiencing symptoms I found another Cardiologist
who was actually familiar with Bridging, He reviewed my case and refered
me to a surgeon. 3 days after meeting with the surgeon I was admitted for
surgery. The surgical process they did on me included: Deroofing the artery
from the heart, upon doing this it was found that the section of the LAD
that was bridged was not the proper diameter which also contributed to
less blood flow, so they also performed by-pass using another artery from
my chest. It has been 6 months now, I feel much better and haven't had
any returning symptoms. I just wanted to post this for people who are trying
to find info on this, because I know I couldn't find much info. It seems
that not very many Doctors are real familiar with this either. In the hospitals
I was flooded with doctors asking me to familiarize them with myocardial
bridging.
Tony Clark, Milford, MI United States, 04 Jun 2003
• Interestingly we at PSCC had 3 such patients the
last 18 months .one underwent emergency stenting and later emergency CABG
for subacute stent thrombosis. The other two , having learnt the lesson!
, were treated conservatively with spasmolytics and other antianginals
and did very well subsequently.
menwar al-anazi, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, 1 May 2000
• Difficult case. The data on stenting under a
myocardial bridge is limited. Assuming that the artery is otherwise normal
under the bridge, it seems rather excess to stent a "normal" vessel. On
the other hand, given the fact that the artery involved is the LAD and
it occludes I would, for right or wrong reasons, feel uncomfortable doing
nothing. My bias would, therefore, be to stent the segment and use calcium
channel blockers. In the event of restenosis, I'd send the patient for
surgery.
Fahim Jafary, M.D., Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi,
PAKISTAN, March 20, 2000
• I wait for such a case in order to offer him (not
her?) a stent implant. I suppose to obtain good long term result. How your
case proceeded?
Matyas Keltai, Hungarian Institute of Cardiology, Budapest,
HUNGARY, February 20, 2000
• A 50-year-old patient with unstable angina
-- the angio shows a total occlusion of the LAD at the mid segment after
the first septal branch, and a normal LV function. After intracoronary nitrates,
the LAD is patent again with severe myocardial bridging over a short segment
(just at the site where it was occluded) without any atheroma. What would
you do: stent, surgery or medical
treatment?
Georges Badaoui, Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, LEBANON, November
21, 1999 |
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