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Imperfect Heart

Imperfect Heart

Written by: Jeff Holden
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About this listen

Imperfect Heart is a podcast designed for, hosted by and recorded with those affected by or involved with the care and support for those with the birth defect of a Myocardial Bridge. Interviews with healthcare professionals, support professionals and those navigating their way through the often challenging process of diagnosis and treatment are the focus of the content. It’s their stories that are meant to inform, educate and even entertain in an effort to insure hope for the listener that what they are experiencing is real, that they are not alone and that there is hope for relief from the varied symptoms of a Myocardial Bridge.

The host, Jeff Holden, has his own story to tell from symptom to diagnosis to treatment thus giving him insight and empathy as well as experience in the process of advocating for the patient. The program also seeks to make the healthcare industry more aware of the real symptoms of Myocardial Bridges with an aim to eliminate the gaslighting that is so prevalent around this defect and directly address the reality that Myocardial Bridges may be responsible for many more deaths from sudden cardiac arrest than previously thought. Early diagnosis and treatment could not only improve but may actually save lives when properly applied. More information can be found on the podcast website, www.myimperfectheart.com.Copyright 2025 Imperfect Heart
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Episodes
  • Episode 55: Dr. Ronald Hoffman Interviews ME on Intelligent Medicine.
    Jul 3 2025

    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 well enough that he wanted to help us share it to his audience. He saw the value to both his listeners as well as the doctors that listen to his Intelligent Medicine radio show and podcast. With the deepest gratitude, I cannot thank him enough. We're making noise, we're getting traction and we're saving lives in our collective effort to continue to keep getting the word out. Thank you Dr. Hoffman for your interest to host me on "Intelligent Medicine Podcast"!

    The interview on his podcast is in this link: https://drhoffman.com/rethinking-heart-health-uncovering-myocardial-bridges/

    You can find out more about Dr. Ronald Hoffman by visiting his website https://drhoffman.com/

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    3 mins
  • Episode 54: Heart Surgery IS Life and Death Serious
    Jun 26 2025

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

    Let's continue to build a supportive network for those affected by myocardial bridges, underscoring the power of shared stories and experiences. No one should feel isolated on this path, and I encourage you to join the community of those who have shared their stories on the podcast. If you're aware of doctors that might make a great guest, please share their contact information with me as well. I'll connect with them. Strengthening our collective resolve through awareness, positivity, and gratitude we'll continue to push the pace of getting this disease recognized as symptomatic and life threatening. Together we can foster hope and understanding in our community.

    You can email me directly at jeff@hearmenowstudio.com

    You can find the interview with Dr. Ronald Hoffman on the "Intelligent Medicine" website HERE

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    11 mins
  • Episode 53: To Unroof or Not to Unroof? Janie Desmond Ison Shares Her Very Unique Health Journey.
    Jun 5 2025

    Could you be one of the tens of thousands of people unknowingly living with a myocardial bridge? Or worse yet, knowingly living with the condition and not having it recognized as a potentially symptomatic, even life threatening, condition? My guest today is another local acquaintance. A friend of a friend. An unbelievably close association to yet another myocardial bridge patient. Janie Desmond Ison and I are going to unpack the startling statistic that while a quarter of the population may have myocardial bridges, only a small fraction are diagnosed as symptomatic. This episode challenges prevalent misconceptions, shares the journey of symptoms often dismissed, and highlights the power of awareness in seeking proper medical attention. Through her story, we aim to connect with those who might feel alone in their struggle and encourage them to pursue the support they need, knowing this is yet another example of the condition that may be similar to what you're facing.

    Join us as we follow an individual's incredible journey from experiencing mild symptoms like shortness of breath and palpitations to receiving a life-changing diagnosis of a myocardial bridge and an uncommon solution. We discuss managing this condition amidst complications like low blood pressure and fatigue due to treatments from beta blockers. The narrative sheds light on navigating unexpected health issues and the emotional and physical challenges of making complex medical decisions. We emphasize the vital importance of trust in healthcare professionals and explore the paths available for effective management and recovery.

    Our conversation also offers a hopeful glimpse into life after heart surgery, focusing on recovery's emotional and physical hurdles. The critical role of cardiac rehabilitation, peer support, and the need to reassess life priorities post-surgery are discussed. We celebrate advancements in surgical techniques and the necessity of advocating for one's heart health by staying vigilant about symptoms. By sharing these stories of resilience and recovery, we hope to inspire and reassure listeners facing similar challenges, highlighting the strength found in community and support networks.

    For more information and details visit the website HERE

    To purchase the book, "My Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges" find it at Amazon.com or in this link.

    Chapter Summaries

    (00:00) Myocardial Bridge Awareness and Discussion

    Myocardial bridges are often undiagnosed, causing frustration and symptoms like shortness of breath and heart attack-like sensations.

    (04:57) Journey With Myocardial Bridge Diagnosis

    Personal journey of health challenges, diagnosis of myocardial bridge, managing condition with low blood pressure and fatigue.

    (19:58) Navigating Post-Surgery Complications and Recovery

    A heart surgery journey highlights the importance of clear communication, informed decision-making, and navigating post-operative challenges.

    (35:02) Navigating Life After Heart Surgery

    Emotional and physical challenges of heart surgery, importance of support and rehabilitation, and need for proactive health management.

    (42:10) Advocating for Your Heart Health

    Exploring heart surgery complexities, including myocardial bridges and evolving treatment options, and the importance of awareness and research.

    (50:47) Sharing Stories of Heart Health

    Acknowledging and addressing heart health issues, sharing personal experiences, and emphasizing the importance of being proactive.

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    52 mins

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