A Cardiac Marker for Disability in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Written by Carol Sieverling (2004), Edited by Maryann Spurgin (2016).

Forward (2016):

The fascinating thing about this article is that everything from chemical allergies to immune dysfunction in ME is explained in terms of circulation problems.  This excellent piece on ME and heart issues was written by Carol Sieverling.

It was extremely long, putting people off from reading it. I have edited for length, but not for content, grammar or punctuation. I did edit out most treatment advice since Cheney’s treatment advice changes, and I edited out anything that made it longer if it did not contribute to understanding.

Any additions by me of new information have been put in brackets saying: [Maryann Spurgin’s note:].  All others are by Carol or are quotes from Dr. Cheney or where noted from a patient. This is Carol Sieverling’s interpretation of transcripts and tapes of conversations that took place between Dr. Paul Cheney, Carol, and Victoria Bell in 2004.

All other comments are statements from Dr. Cheney that have been slightly paraphrased [by Carol], but maintain his original meaning.

–Maryann Spurgin.

A concept central to Dr. Cheney’s understanding of this illness is decreased cardiac output:

The focus of this article is based on the following publication: “Abnormal Impedance Cardiography Predicts Symptom Severity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” Peckerman, et al: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences. 2003; 326(2):55-60.

Dr. Cheney stated, “This is the best, most important publication in 20 years.” And: “This was published the year I left practice, 2003. The senior author is Natelson, and the principal author is Arnold Peckerman. [Maryann Spurgin note: this study was NIH funded]