I thought only pathologists compared their specimens to edible substances. Apparently cardiologists do as well. I’m not sure I’m ever going to be able to look at a Thomas’ English Muffin without thinking Left Ventricular Noncompaction, a banana without thinking Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy, or a double-scoop ice cream come without thinking Restrictive Cardiomyopathy.
Today we also learned about broken heart syndrome, which, by the way, is supposed to look like an “octopus trap” (because we come in contact with so many of those on a regular basis) on an echo. A strong, often sudden emotional stress, like the death of a loved one or a break-up, triggers an excess of catecholamine release, creating a weakening of the heart muscle. On an EKG, it literally looks as though the person is having a heart attack. More women are reported to experience this phenomenon than men. Disheartening, no?
anna in med school 