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​Annette Amendola – UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute Patient Story

The Challenge

Annette Amendola is a clinical provider appeal coordinator at UPMC Health Plan. A patient of Meera Kondapaneni, MD since March 2012, Annette has been treated for coronary microvascular dysfunction. It is not fatal, but the condition can be very debilitating since it limits mobility and causes a person to become exhausted very quickly.

Annette is trained as a critical care nurse so she knew her symptoms of pressure in her chest, neck, jaw and nausea during exercise and exhaustion from walking were signs of something bigger.

Tragically, many people close to Annette have been affected by heart-related issues. Her father had heart disease and died at 48 from a heart attack. Her sister had pulmonary hypertension but it was left undiagnosed for years and she passed away at age 57. Her brother experienced a heart attack as well. Recently, Annette also lost a friend that had heart problems but didn’t have treatment to correct them.

The Path to UPMC

Previously, the cardiology department at a community hospital saw Annette for care. She received a heart catheterization and was advised to continue exercising. The hospital also recommended a personal trainer for strength training. She wanted to seek a second opinion with Dr. Kondapaneni at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.

“Dr. Kondapaneni’s background and experience was reassuring,” said Annette. “Under her care, I felt like I had options.”

The Solution

When Annette started to see Dr. Kondapaneni, the physician seemed to have an idea of what was wrong right away. Dr. Kondapaneni treated Annette to dilate blood vessels to reduce spasms, increasing blood supply to the heart.

Her official diagnosis is angina related to Raynaud's disease and connective tissue disease. After corrective medication, Annette could even begin bike riding again. Her goal to attend her daughter’s wedding came true as well. Now, Annette’s message to others is to be assertive.

“If your physical complaints aren’t being acknowledged, seek second opinions,” said Annette. “When it comes to your heart, don’t be complacent.”

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