Episodes

In this Imperfect Heart NewsPod, I reconnect with Kaylin Kellert—two years removed from her myocardial bridge unroofing surgery and now living a life she describes as “night and day” from before. Kaylin shares an honest update on her recovery journey, including the ups and downs that came with it, and the sense of peace she’s found on the other side. But this conversation isn’t just about where she’s been—it’s about what she’s doing now. After a chance moment at an American Heart Associati...

When I first spoke with Pete Furman in Episode 36, his health was failing, his options felt limited, and the road ahead was anything but clear. He was living with a myocardial bridge, drug therapy wasn’t working, and insurance had just denied his preferred surgeon. Everything felt urgent — and uncertain. In this follow-up conversation, Pete returns to share what happened next. We talk about how he navigated insurance denial, found a local cardiac surgeon willing to listen and learn, and ul...

This may be one of those episodes that could be considered controversial and I hope it does prompt questions. Dr. Christopher Kwon is a highly experienced cardiac surgeon whose practice in Lake Havasu, Arizona has brought him face-to-face with a growing number of patients living with symptomatic Myocardial Bridges. What made this conversation so compelling is Dr. Kwon’s dual approach—he doesn’t just perform the standard unroofing procedure. He also chooses to bypass the artery in the same ope...

Recovering from a heart surgery or cardiac event is never simple—the questions, fears, and “what-ifs” can feel overwhelming. That’s where cardiac rehab steps in, providing a safe, structured, and supportive bridge between the hospital and a confident return to life. In this episode, I'm speaking with Kimberly Lynch, a clinical exercise physiologist at Sutter Roseville Medical Center Cardiac Rehab. Kim is also a Leader of Impact with the American Heart Association which you'll hear a little mo...

This episode I sit down with Vesta Hurlbutt, a cardiac cath lab x-ray tech, functional nutritionist, and host of the Open Heart Healing podcast. This conversation becomes a unique blend of medical insight and personal storytelling, centered around Myocardial Bridges and the power of advocacy—both in the hospital and in life. Vesta offers behind-the-scenes perspective on what happens inside the cath lab, what patients should expect, and why self-advocacy is critical in a system that often over...

This is an encore episode as I believe we cannot stress the significance enough for this type of testing to confirm the effects of a myocardial bridge on the patient. The more that's known, the more likely it is that the proper course of treatment can be taken. If you missed it the first time, don't miss it this time. This is a must listen episode. Unlock the secrets of properly understanding and diagnosing myocardial bridges with insight from Dr. Jeffrey Fowler, a leading interventional cardio...

What if facing a serious heart condition could be your turning point towards a more empowered life? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of Teresa Raisanen, a woman who transformed challenges into triumphs. From the mysterious chest pain in 2012 to the life-changing diagnosis of a myocardial bridge in 2024, Teresa's story is one of courage, persistence, and the relentless pursuit of clarity in the face of daunting medical challenges. Discover how her determination and self-advocacy pa...

This episode needs little description. Thanks to Kelly and Tank Sears for their candid and sometimes raw emotion in this conversation as they share the reality of the strain a myocardial bridge can put on a relationship, a marriage, a family. Yes, we'll cover the health portion of the surgery and Kelly's amazing recovery after a less than vacation like visit to Greece to see Dr. Kofidis, but it's the perseverance and trust that both she and her husband demonstrated in getting not only the approp...

This intro requires few words. We have a friend with a huge podcast and radio audience. 170 stations strong and he gave us the courtesy of interviewing me to help us get our stories told and raise the awareness for the MB condition. Dr. Ronald Hoffman, the longest running physician hosted radio show in syndication on 170 radio stations had no idea what a Myocardial Bridge was. He wanted to know and he wanted his audience to know once he took a look at the book. He gets it and he understood it we...

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

Could you be one of the tens of thousands of people unknowingly living with a myocardial bridge? Or worse yet, knowingly living with the condition and not having it recognized as a potentially symptomatic, even life threatening, condition? My guest today is another local acquaintance. A friend of a friend. An unbelievably close association to yet another myocardial bridge patient. Janie Desmond Ison and I are going to unpack the startling statistic that while a quarter of the population may have...

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

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

What happens when a fit and active lifestyle is interrupted by an unexpected health condition? Join me as I explore the profound journey of Mark Davis, one of my most dear friends, as he discovers something he, nor I,

IMPERFECT HEART: STORIES OF MYOCARDIAL BRIDGES... THE BOOK!  You can now find it on amazon by clicking on the link  HERE.  Share it with your doctor, your cardiologist or anyone interested in learning a little more about our condition.

Enduring the tumultuous journey of heart condition diagnosis and treatment led me, Jeff Holden, to realize the profound need for a supportive community and reliable information. Reflecting on my own experiences,

Jennifer Shetler never imagined that a routine run would lead her from the role of a healthcare professional to that of a heart patient. Yet, an unexpected bout of chest pain during her daily jog turned her world upside down,

Embarking on a quest for answers, Steve Millington faced a world of mystery when his heart first sent distress signals at just 22. Misdiagnosed and misunderstood, Steve's journey through unrelenting chest pain took him from Australia to Sweden,

Facing unexpected health challenges can be a monumental experience, as lifelong athlete John Chan discovered when he encountered severe chest pains during an ultra marathon. Join us as he recounts his compelling journey from initial denial to acceptanc...

I was doing some work with AI for a project and I wondered what I would find if I began a conversation about myocardial bridges. To my amazement, the responses to my questions were quite contemporary, on point for the most part and very much aware of t...

In this episode I take a moment to reflect and celebrate a year of content novelty and camaraderie in our Imperfect Heart community. From hosting 11 awesome patients who shared their personal journeys to featuring insights from 10 esteemed doctors,

This episode includes graphic video and a detailed explanation of the "unroofing procedure" from the operating room and is best when viewed on the "Imperfect Heart" YouTube Channel. - In this, the third in a series on the "Vollmer Journey",

Unlock the secrets of properly understanding and diagnosing myocardial bridges with insight from Dr. Jeffrey Fowler, a leading interventional cardiologist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Our conversation promises to illuminate the often per...

When David Vollmer first felt his heart race unpredictably during a workout, little did he know it would kickstart a journey that would redefine his understanding of health. From grappling with atrial fibrillation (AFIB) and a surprising diagnosis of m...