By Jeff Gilder
In 2020, I experienced a series of cardiac events culminating in a “widowmaker” heart attack—a complete 100% blockage of my left anterior descending (LAD) artery. This event left my heart severely damaged, with an ejection fraction (EF) of just 20%. For context, EF measures how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. A healthy EF ranges from 55-70%, while anything below 40% is considered severe heart failure.
My research into low ejection fraction revealed a grim prognosis: 1 to 3 years to live is normal life expectancy. I was fitted with an external defibrillator to protect against sudden cardiac death and scheduled for a permanent implant in 3 months. Conventional wisdom said my heart muscle was beyond repair. However, I embarked on a different path—combining methylene blue (MB) and red light therapy (RLT) with carefully managed exercise. Six weeks later, my EF had doubled to 40%, the defibrillator was removed, and I was told I no longer needed the implant. Here’s how I believe this recovery became possible.
Understanding Methylene Blue and Red Light Therapy
Both methylene blue and red light therapy target a common thread in cellular health: the mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouses” of cells. Mitochondria are critical for energy production and play a key role in recovery after a cardiac event.
Mitochondrial Function and Cardiac Health
Mitochondria generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell, through the electron transport chain. Heart muscle cells are particularly dependent on mitochondria because of their constant demand for energy to maintain cardiac output. Damage to the heart—such as during a heart attack—can severely impair mitochondrial function, compounding the injury.
How Methylene Blue Works
Methylene blue (MB) is a unique molecule that supports mitochondrial function by acting as:
- An Alternative Electron Carrier: MB bypasses damaged segments of the electron transport chain, shuttling electrons directly to cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV). This helps maintain ATP production even when mitochondria are impaired.
- An Antioxidant: MB neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS), harmful byproducts of energy production that increase after heart attacks. By reducing oxidative stress, MB protects cells from further damage.
- A Cellular Energizer: By improving the efficiency of ATP production, MB enhances the ability of cardiac cells to repair and regenerate.
How Red Light Therapy Supports Mitochondrial Repair
Red light therapy (RLT) uses wavelengths of light (typically 600-700 nm) to stimulate cellular processes. When red light penetrates tissues, it interacts with cytochrome c oxidase, the same mitochondrial enzyme targeted by MB. RLT’s effects include:
- Enhanced ATP Production: Stimulated cytochrome c oxidase increases mitochondrial energy output.
- Improved Circulation: RLT promotes angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to damaged tissues.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Red light reduces inflammation, which is critical for preventing further cardiac damage after an event.
- Tissue Regeneration: RLT stimulates the release of growth factors, aiding in the repair of heart muscle cells.
My Recovery Regimen
After my heart attack, I incorporated methylene blue, red light therapy, and light exercise into my daily routine. Here’s what I did:
- Methylene Blue: I took pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue in a low dose under the guidance of a medical professional. This supported mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress.
- Red Light Therapy: I used a high-quality red light device, focusing on my chest area to target the heart. Sessions lasted about 10-15 minutes daily.
- Exercise: I began with light, controlled movements such as walking and stretching. As my energy levels improved, I increased the intensity, always monitoring my heart rate and oxygen saturation.
Within six weeks, I experienced a dramatic improvement:
- My EF increased from 20% to 40%.
- The external defibrillator was removed, and I no longer needed the scheduled implant.
- I had more energy and felt physically stronger.
The Science Behind the Rapid Recovery
Heart muscle is known to heal very slowly, if at all, after significant damage. Most cardiologists would not expect such a rapid improvement. However, the combination of MB and RLT offers a plausible explanation:
- Mitochondrial Rescue: MB and RLT worked synergistically to restore mitochondrial energy production in my heart cells, improving their ability to function and repair.
- Reduced Oxidative Stress: By reducing ROS, both therapies prevented further damage to already fragile cardiac tissue.
- Increased Blood Flow and Oxygenation: RLT’s ability to stimulate angiogenesis likely improved blood flow, enabling the heart muscle to heal more effectively.
Implications for Cardiac Care
While my recovery is anecdotal, it points to the potential of therapies targeting mitochondrial function in heart failure. Methylene blue and red light therapy are non-invasive and relatively low-cost, making them promising adjuncts to conventional cardiac rehabilitation.
The Need for Further Research
This approach deserves scientific scrutiny. Large-scale clinical trials could validate the benefits of MB and RLT for post-heart attack recovery and help develop protocols for their use. If proven effective, they could offer hope to millions suffering from heart failure.
Conclusion
Doctors told me to “enjoy the time I have left.” Instead, I chose to explore innovative therapies and take an active role in my recovery. Two years later, I am living proof that the heart, with the right support, can heal in ways we don’t yet fully understand.
For those facing similar challenges, my message is simple: don’t give up hope. The combination of methylene blue, red light therapy, and exercise transformed my prognosis. I hope my story inspires further research and offers a new path for others to follow.