Constance Meyer, a dedicated violin teacher, endured a relentless cough for over a year, disrupting her life and sleep. Her struggle to find an explanation led to conflicting diagnoses from various doctors, who suggested asthma, age, or acid reflux as potential culprits. It wasn’t until a concerned mother of a new student investigated her symptoms that the true nature of her ailment emerged, potentially saving her life.
Meyer, with a long history as a session musician, was haunted by family cancer history, including her mother’s untimely death from ovarian cancer. Although she tested negative for BRCA genetic mutations, her anxiety lingered. Prioritising health, Meyer maintained a vegetarian diet, walked several miles daily, and felt reassured with normal cholesterol and blood pressure results. Yet in spring 2023, an unexplained dry cough appeared and worsened over time.
After consulting her internist, an inconclusive chest X-ray led to a misdiagnosis of asthmatic bronchitis. Despite medication providing temporary relief, her cough intensified, causing distress to her husband. Nine months later, sceptical yet determined, Meyer sought further treatment, believing her condition was manageable as she felt otherwise healthy and managed to teach consistently.
Switching primary-care doctors, Meyer reported her persistent cough to a geriatric internist, who ordered an echocardiogram with no abnormalities found. As her symptoms persisted, she received referrals to specialists. A pulmonologist conducted a CT scan revealing signs of mild interstitial lung disease and moderate coronary artery calcification, while an ENT doctor suggested addressing potential acid reflux, adding new medications and lifestyle changes that failed to alleviate her cough.
Amid her ongoing health saga, Meyer met Megan Y. Kamath, a cardiologist, when her daughter began violin lessons. Driven by concern, Kamath quickly realised that Meyer’s hacking cough, especially during movement, was symptomatic of a serious heart condition rather than lung issues. A stress echocardiogram revealed abnormal results, prompting further testing which identified significant blockages in Meyer’s heart arteries, leading to immediate intervention.
The revelation of a near-total blockage in the left anterior descending artery, known as the “widowmaker,” shocked Meyer. Despite having no classic symptoms of heart trouble, her persistent cough was a dangerous indicator of underlying heart disease. After undergoing angioplasty to place a stent in the affected artery, Meyer was amazed to find her cough vanished completely, and subsequent tests confirmed her lung health was intact.
Constance Meyer suffered from a persistent cough for over a year, receiving various misdiagnoses from doctors. A vital intervention by a concerned parent revealed underlying heart issues, linking her cough to significant heart blockage. Following successful angioplasty, her cough ceased, highlighting the importance of listening to one’s body and being proactive in seeking help in medical matters.
The journey of Constance Meyer highlights how easily misdiagnoses can occur, particularly when symptoms deviate from typical presentations. Her ordeal not only underscores the importance of thorough medical evaluation but also the need for vigilance and advocacy in personal health management. As she continues to recover, Meyer embraces a proactive role in her healthcare decisions, moving from a passive recipient to an active participant in her health journey.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
