An Unexpected Discovery: Philip’s Coronary Microvascular Disease Story

Philip Dietz, EMS Coordinator for The Christ Hospital Health Network and a longtime firefighter/paramedic, has spent decades helping others during medical emergencies.

But for years, he struggled to understand his own.

"There was a dullness in my chest," Philip recalled. "Sometimes I would wake up and feel like my chest was spasming."

His concerns were especially significant because he suffered a heart attack at age 39 and has a strong family history of heart disease. Yet despite years of evaluations, the cause of his symptoms remained unclear.

In early 2026, Philip invited Odayme Quesada, MD, Medical Director of The Christ Hospital Women's Heart Center and Ginger Warner Endowed Chair in Women's Cardiovascular Health, to speak at an EMS conference that he was leading.

Philip had previously heard Dr. Quesada discuss how heart attack symptoms can present differently in women; a topic he realized was rarely addressed in EMS education.

"When heart attacks are discussed at EMS conferences, it had never really been explained that there can be differences in how women present," Philip said. "That's important information because EMS providers are often the first people on the scene, and we know time matters."

A Familiar but Unexpected Story

During the conference, Dr. Quesada also spoke about coronary microvascular and vasomotor dysfunction (CMVD), a group of conditions that can cause chest pain, heart attacks and other symptoms - even when coronary arteries appear open and traditional cardiac tests appear normal.

As Dr. Quesada described the symptoms of CMVD, Philip was stunned. She was describing exactly what he had been experiencing for years.

After the presentation, Philip approached Dr. Quesada.

"You just described me," he told her.

Dr. Quesada encouraged him to schedule an appointment for further evaluation.

A Second Opinion & a Diagnosis

Following an evaluation with Dr. Quesada, Philip underwent advanced diagnostic testing with Timothy D. Henry, MD, Medical Director of The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education. The testing identified the source of his symptoms: epicardial coronary spasm, a condition that had previously gone unrecognized. The diagnosis also provided new insight into Philip's medical history, leading his care team to determine that the heart attack he suffered years earlier was likely caused by coronary spasms.

"I can't even describe how grateful I am," Philip said. "After years of wondering what was wrong, I finally had answers. That gave me peace of mind and a path forward."

About Coronary Microvascular & Vasomotor Dysfunction

While coronary microvascular and vasomotor dysfunction is more commonly diagnosed in women, The Christ Hospital's CMVD Program is gender neutral and cares for both women and men experiencing chest pain and heart attack with open arteries. In fact, men account for approximately 15 percent of patients treated in the program.

Because women represent the majority of patients living with these disorders, the Women's Heart Center has become a national leader in advancing awareness, education, and care for this often-overlooked area of cardiovascular medicine.

"Our goal is to identify the underlying cause; provide diagnostic answers, and ensure patients receive the treatment they need to improve their quality of life moving forward," Dr. Quesada said.

A Path Forward

Today, Philip is working with his care team on treatment strategies to improve his symptoms and quality of life. Most importantly, he finally has answers.

"If something feels off, don't ignore it," Philip said. "Keep asking questions. Keep looking for answers. I've spent my career in healthcare, and even I struggled to get answers. Trust yourself. If something doesn't feel right, keep advocating for yourself. You know your body best."

Under Dr. Quesada's leadership, the Women's Heart Center continues to lead advancements in patient care, research, education, and community outreach-helping patients find answers, validation and a path forward when symptoms have been dismissed, misunderstood, or left unexplained.

Donor support through The Christ Hospital Foundation helps make this work possible, expanding access to specialized care while advancing research and awareness of often-overlooked conditions.

For Philip, that impact is personal.

After years of uncertainty, he found what he had been searching for all along: an answer.

And because of The Christ Hospital Women's Heart Center, he found a path forward.