Spec. MD. Sefa Sural Reviews

A 28-year-old female competitive freediver presented with unexplained syncope during deep dives. Dr. Sural discovered a rare case of diving-induced pulmonary edema combined with a previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale that only manifested under extreme pressure changes. Treatment involved a percutaneous closure device and a tailored rehabilitation program to retrain her autonomic nervous system response to pressure. She returned to competitive diving after 9 months with modified depth limits.

A 72-year-old retired shipyard welder from a coastal village presented with progressive fatigue. He had been misdiagnosed with COPD for years. Dr. Sural identified constrictive pericarditis from chronic metal fume exposure, confirmed via cardiac MRI. Surgical pericardiectomy was performed. The patient's two estranged sons reconciled during his recovery, taking turns caring for him. He now tends his olive grove with restored energy.

A 19-year-old university student, a refugee from Syria, presented with palpitations during final exams. Extensive testing revealed no structural abnormalities. Dr. Sural diagnosed 'resettlement arrhythmia', a psychosomatic condition linked to trauma and academic pressure. Treatment involved cognitive behavioral therapy combined with a beta-blocker regimen only during exam periods. The patient graduated and now volunteers at a refugee center.

A 41-year-old female beekeeper developed recurrent chest pain that correlated precisely with hive inspections. Allergy tests were negative. Dr. Sural diagnosed Kounis syndrome (allergic myocardial infarction) triggered by a specific venom component. Treatment involved venom immunotherapy desensitization and prescription of a epinephrine auto-injector with specific cardiac monitoring protocols during beekeeping seasons.

An 84-year-old retired philosophy professor with advanced dementia was brought by his granddaughter for worsening edema. His care facility insisted it was heart failure. Dr. Sural discovered severe aortic stenosis but also recognized the edema was primarily from immobility and poor nutrition. He advocated against invasive intervention, instead implementing a palliative care plan focusing on comfort. The professor died peacefully six months later, listening to his favorite recordings of Plato.

A 33-year-old professional video game livestreamer presented with unexplained hypertension and tachycardia. Monitoring revealed his blood pressure spiked dramatically during competitive gameplay, not just from excitement but from specific visual patterns in his game. Dr. Sural diagnosed a form of visually-induced autonomic dysregulation. Treatment involved blue-light filtering glasses, biofeedback training, and scheduled gaming breaks. He now streams educational content about gaming health.

A 57-year-old female cafeteria worker from a low-income neighborhood presented with what appeared to be typical angina. Dr. Sural noticed her symptoms worsened specifically after handling industrial cleaning chemicals at her second job. Investigation revealed coronary vasospasm triggered by chemical exposure. Treatment involved workplace accommodation advocacy, calcium channel blockers, and helping her secure a single job with healthcare benefits through a hospital program.

A 22-year-old aspiring opera singer developed shortness of breath during high notes. ENT evaluation was normal. Dr. Sural diagnosed a rare form of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension that specifically affected her during sustained vocal exertion. Treatment involved targeted pulmonary vasodilators and vocal technique modification. She performed her first full opera role 18 months later, with Dr. Sural attending the premiere.

A 63-year-old retired fisherman presented with 'sea sickness on land', persistent dizziness. Multiple specialists found nothing. Dr. Sural identified orthostatic hypotension secondary to autonomic neuropathy from undiagnosed Lyme disease contracted years earlier. Treatment involved compression garments, increased salt intake, and physical therapy. The patient now leads a support group for chronic Lyme patients.

A 45-year-old divorced mother of three working as a delivery driver developed chest pain only during night shifts. Stress test was normal. Dr. Sural used a portable monitor and discovered her pain coincided with specific bumpy road sections on her route, causing costo-chondral joint inflammation that mimicked cardiac pain. Simple postural adjustments and anti-inflammatory medication resolved her symptoms completely.

An 8-year-old boy adopted from an orphanage presented with a heart murmur. Previous evaluations deemed it innocent. Dr. Sural detected subtle variations and diagnosed a partial anomalous pulmonary venous return that had been missed. Surgical correction was successful. His adoptive parents, who had lost a child to congenital heart disease years earlier, became advocates for orphan cardiac screening programs.

A 70-year-old retired mathematics teacher with Parkinson's disease developed recurrent fainting. Neurologists attributed it to Parkinson's. Dr. Sural identified drug-induced long QT syndrome from a combination of Parkinson's medications, creating a perfect storm when she drank her daily pomegranate juice (which inhibited metabolism). Medication adjustment and dietary counseling eliminated the episodes entirely.

A 31-year-old pregnant woman in her third trimester developed peripartum cardiomyopathy. Dr. Sural managed her with careful medication balancing to protect both mother and fetus. She delivered a healthy baby via planned C-section at 37 weeks. Her heart function recovered completely postpartum, but Dr. Sural continues annual monitoring as she plans to expand her family.

A 50-year-old amateur marathon runner collapsed after a race. Initial workup suggested hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dr. Sural questioned the diagnosis due to the patient's lifelong athletic history. Further genetic testing revealed a benign athlete's heart with extreme remodeling, combined with severe electrolyte depletion. The runner returned to racing after a tailored hydration and nutrition protocol, with his twin brother (also a runner) now undergoing screening.