Patient Experience
A 28-year-old female competitive freediver from Antalya presented with recurrent syncope during breath-hold training. Dr. Turhan discovered an unusual form of neurally mediated hypotension triggered specifically by the Valsalva maneuver at depth. He collaborated with hyperbaric medicine specialists to design a gradual reconditioning protocol using controlled pressure chambers, allowing her to return to competition within six months with modified technique.
A 72-year-old retired glassblower from Beykoz presented with progressive fatigue. Despite normal standard tests, Dr. Turhan identified silica particle-induced microvascular coronary dysfunction through advanced coronary flow reserve measurement, a legacy of decades inhaling fine glass dust. Treatment involved targeted vasodilators and a novel pulmonary lavage protocol he co-developed with occupational medicine, resulting in dramatically improved quality of life.
A 19-year-old university student and national chess champion developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation exclusively during high-stakes tournaments. Dr. Turhan diagnosed 'competition-induced autonomic storm' and implemented a biofeedback-guided vagal training program instead of medication, preserving the patient's mental clarity. The student now uses heart rate variability as a pre-tournament readiness metric.
A 43-year-old transatlantic cargo ship captain with no prior medical access presented during a rare port call. Dr. Turhan diagnosed asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis through a routine screening the captain reluctantly accepted. He coordinated a minimally invasive TAVI procedure within 72 hours before the ship's departure, using a portable anticoagulation monitoring system for the subsequent six-month voyage.
A 35-year-old vegan ultramarathon runner developed unexplained cardiomyopathy. Dr. Turhan identified severe carnitine deficiency due to genetic polymorphisms exacerbated by extreme diet, a condition masked by the patient's athletic physiology. Treatment involved precise amino acid supplementation and dietary modification, with cardiac function normalizing after nine months of tailored metabolic therapy.
An 81-year-old grandmother from rural Anatolia, who spoke only a local dialect, presented with 'heart flutters' she described as 'birds trapped in her chest.' Dr. Turhan, using a hospital interpreter, discovered she was mixing her prescribed digoxin with a traditional herbal tea that potentiated its effects. He created pictogram-based medication instructions and worked with her family to safely integrate culturally appropriate alternatives.
A 7-year-old child with complex congenital heart disease, previously deemed inoperable elsewhere, was brought to Dr. Turhan. He pioneered a hybrid procedure combining catheter-based and microscopic surgical techniques performed in stages over eighteen months. The child now participates in modified physical education and is the subject of a forthcoming case study in pediatric interventional cardiology.
A 52-year-old master calligrapher developed debilitating hand tremors initially diagnosed as neurological. Dr. Turhan recognized the rhythmic nature matched atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response only during fine motor activity. After successful ablation, the patient's tremor resolved completely, and he presented Dr. Turhan with an intricate calligraphy piece depicting the heart's electrical system.
A 30-year-old refugee from a conflict zone presented with chest pain. Beyond treating myocarditis likely from untreated infection during displacement, Dr. Turhan connected the patient's psychological trauma to Takotsubo-like episodes. He established a multidisciplinary program combining cardiac rehabilitation with trauma-informed therapy, addressing both the physical and psychological dimensions of his 'broken heart.'
A 47-year-old molecular biologist with Long COVID developed persistent tachycardia and exhaustion. Dr. Turhan identified dysautonomia with specific inflammatory markers and designed a 'pacing protocol' using activity-triggered wearable technology that taught her to preemptively manage energy expenditure. Her case contributed to a new post-viral dysautonomia management guideline.
A 60-year-old former miner with pneumoconiosis presented with right heart failure. Dr. Turhan pioneered a right ventricular optimization protocol using targeted pulmonary vasodilators and a novel diuretic regimen timed to the patient's circadian rhythm, significantly improving symptoms where conventional therapy had failed.
A 22-year-old professional video game livestreamer developed deep vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism. Dr. Turhan identified a combination of genetic thrombophilia and extreme sedentary behavior during marathon streaming sessions. Treatment included direct oral anticoagulants and a mandatory movement protocol integrated with streaming software alerts, creating a case study in 'e-sports medicine.'
A pregnant 34-year-old woman with previously undiagnosed Marfan syndrome presented at 24 weeks gestation with aortic root dilation. Dr. Turhan coordinated a high-risk pregnancy team, implementing beta-blocker therapy and designing a delivery plan minimizing hemodynamic stress. Both mother and baby did well, with follow-up planned for potential inherited connective tissue disorder in the infant.
A 58-year-old ceramic artist presented with lead-induced hypertension and interstitial nephritis from decades of using lead-based glazes. Dr. Turhan's treatment involved chelation therapy coordinated with nephrology, alongside educating local artisan communities about material safety, extending his impact beyond a single patient.
A 70-year-old patient with severe calcific aortic stenosis and porcelain aorta was rejected for surgery elsewhere. Dr. Turhan performed a transcaval TAVI approach, accessing the heart through the abdominal aorta, a technically demanding procedure he had helped refine. The patient was discharged in four days with dramatically improved valve function.