@ossobuco,
I do not know where Navigator lives, ossobuco. But why would a doctor, anywhere, be unwilling to explain a patient's diagnosis or condition to a close family member?
Most cardiac problems can actually be explained rather simply--there is no reason to see charts or to have elaborate explanations about the precise actions of medications. Basically, the heart is a pump, and most doctors can give a reasonably simple explanation for why that pump is not functioning effectively (muscle damage, valve problems, irregular rhythms, etc.), as well as explaining any associated coronary artery problems and the purpose of the medications given to correct problems.
Sure there are cultural differences, but cardiology is still cardiology no matter where you are in the world. If doctors want compliant patients they do answer questions about the treatments they prescribe and how those relate to the patient's problem.
Where cultural differences might enter in, is in how free the patient or the family feels in questioning the doctor, and whether they feel entitled to answers. Some doctors are more forthcoming with information than others. Navigator is obviously concerned about his mom, and he seems to have unanswered questions--perhaps because the questions were never asked. He should question the doctor until he understands the nature of his mother's problem, the treatment that is being done (and why), and her prognosis.
I do believe that any good doctor (anywhere) should be willing to answer such basic questions. But they might not bother to offer explanations unless the patient or family starts asking direct questions. Like you, I hope that if Navigator asks questions, his interest will result in explanations from doctors. There is no logical reason why any doctor should be unwilling to offer explanations. Patients and close family should feel entitled to answers--the consent for treatment actually rests on an understanding of the problem being treated.
It's also better, I think, for Navigator to get the explanations directly from the doctor caring for his mother rather than to do a lot of reading on the internet. The internet is fine for very general information about cardiac problems, but the information can also be misleading because it does not take into account all of the particular variables involved with a specific patient. The treating doctor can be much more specific.
Anyway, I hope that Navigator is able to get whatever information he seeks and that it will help him to better understand his mom's condition and her prognosis.
I have assumed Navigator is a "he", but I really don't know whether that is the case. If Navigator is a "she", I do apologize for that.
