From Misdiagnosis to Advocacy: Addressing Bias and Equity in Heart Failure Management

In this episode of The Tell-Tale Heart, host Craig Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP, speaks with Rhonda Monroe, MBA, a heart failure survivor and lead advocate at HeartLife, about her lived experience with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and the systemic failures that nearly cost her life. Following the birth of her third child, Monroe experienced classic cardiac symptoms but was repeatedly misdiagnosed as having indigestion or "hysterical motherhood" despite an EKG confirming an acute myocardial infarction.

The discussion explores the intersection of health equity and clinical decision-making, emphasizing that medical professionals must move beyond demographic stereotypes, such as the assumption that heart disease only affects older men, to provide objective care. Monroe also details her intensive surgical history, including 3 open-heart surgeries and a life-saving ICD intervention, while calling on pharmacists and clinicians to view patients as the ultimate experts on their own bodies and as essential members of the care team.