Adrienne Nastari Returns to Her Busy Routine After Surviving Cardiomyopathy

Adrienne Nastari, 72, is an energetic and adventurous woman who is accustomed to a busy schedule. As a woman living with high blood pressure, Adrienne knew the importance of staying active to maintain a healthy heart.

Following a Zumba class, Adrienne began experiencing chest pain. She initially thought the discomfort was due to soreness from the class. After talking to a friend who is a nurse, she decided to visit her local clinic. Once at the clinic, Adrienne learned her heart was very weak. She was transported by ambulance to Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch, California, where the medical staff performed a catherization. They confirmed Adrienne had developed cardiomyopathy, which is severe weakening of the left ventricle. She was transferred to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, California. Interventional cardiologist, Dr. Gurunath Rajapuram, implanted the Impella CP® device to assist her heart’s pumping function and allow the muscle to rest and recover.

After three days on support of the Impella device, Adrienne’s heart recovered, and the pump was removed. Today, Adrienne’s heart function is normal, and she is back to her busy routine of exercising, traveling, and spending time with family.