Vim & Vigor - Winter 2016 - University of Virginia - 56

vascular cardiologist Aditya Sharma,
MBBS, and interventional radiologist
Alan Matsumoto, MD. They found FMD
in her pelvic arteries that provide blood
to both legs, explaining the pain she had
while walking. She underwent a series
of balloon angioplasties to smooth out
the lining of her upper arm and pelvic
arteries. Sharma and Matsumoto continue to monitor her condition and initiate specific treatments as necessary. In
most patients, taking anti-platelet and
blood pressure medications and avoiding
certain activities can minimize complications associated with FMD.
"Just because a person has this disease doesn't mean they are doomed to
a life of pain and discomfort," Sharma
says. "We can offer many effective treatments for FMD, and a lot of people live
normal lives even after diagnosis."
Amos is grateful for the time the
medical team takes during each
appointment to educate her family-
husband Scott and daughters Jocelyne
and Jessica-about her condition.
"You can tell that Dr. Sharma and
Dr. Matsumoto love what they do,"
Amos says. "They are so caring and
compassionate. They don't just look at
my disease. They look at me holistically,
as a person and as a woman, to find the
best treatments for me."

HAVE A MENDED HEART?
You're in Good Company
In the 1950s, four heart patients in Boston came together to discuss their
heart surgery experiences. They quickly realized their shared stories provided
both hope and healing in spite of the circumstances. This meeting led to
Mended Hearts, which has since become the largest peer-to-peer heart patient
support network in the world. Mended Hearts provides education, support
and hope to all types of heart patients and their families, reaching more than
200,000 patients every year.
In 2004, Mended Hearts recognized the unique need to support families
of the 40,000 children born each year with heart defects. That year, Mended
Little Hearts was created. Today, both groups offer chapters across Virginia
and the rest of the U.S. To find one near you, go to mendedhearts.org or
mendedlittlehearts.org.
For those with heart disease, Mended Hearts provides a glimpse into the
future and reassurance that it is possible to have a rich and rewarding life after
a heart disease diagnosis.

World-Class Care

UVA is one of 13 centers in the U.S.
that participate in the national FMD
registry, which compiles data about
patients to help identify characteristics
and potential markers for the disease.
Amos is among more than 1,400 patients
included in the registry.
"We have the multidisciplinary
approach with a team of specialists working together to care for FMD patients,"
Matsumoto says. "Each patient is
unique in the way that FMD affects
them, and our team has the knowledge
and expertise to diagnose and provide
individualized care for them using the
best evidence and therapies available." n

W IN TER 2 0 1 6

IS FMD UNDERDIAGNOSED?
Although fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is most prevalent in middle-aged women and considered rare, the disease probably is underdiagnosed, especially in people who have no symptoms,
says UVA vascular cardiologist Aditya Sharma, MBBS.
"There's a widespread lack of awareness of this disease and its symptoms within the medical community at large," Sharma says.
Signs of the disease include high blood pressure, chronic headaches and neck pain, and
swooshing sound in the ears. Diagnosis requires specialized imaging of the blood vessels
and arteries. There is no cure for FMD, but most patients can be managed effectively with
medications, minimally invasive treatments or surgery, and modification of certain activities.
"At UVA, all the specialists come together as a team to care for these patients who have
complex medical needs," Sharma says. "We offer years of experience caring for FMD patients
and are constantly involved in research to better understand this disease and to provide the
best care."

http://www.mendedhearts.org http://www.mendedlittlehearts.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2016 - University of Virginia