Linda Bell

Linda Bell had always taken good care of others. At the age of 71, she was a full-time caretaker for an aging loved one. When she herself started exhibiting flu-like symptoms, Linda assumed the vomiting and diarrhea would pass.

"I fell a few times trying to get to the restroom. Then I started feeling terrible pain in my left shoulder and across the middle of my lower back. It was excruciating, and it wasn't getting any better. I knew something was wrong."

Linda called 911 and was transported to the nearby Oviedo Medical Center. A nurse tested her blood for an enzyme called troponin, which Linda was surprised to learn signifies a problem with the heart. She was even more surprised to learn she'd suffered a heart attack.

"Both my father and grandfather suffered heart attacks later in life, and I thought I knew what they looked like. I had no pain in my chest, no shortness of breath — nothing to indicate that's what was going on. My doctors told me that women's heart attack symptoms are often much different than men's."

After spending three days in Oviedo Medical Center's ICU, Linda's care team determined she suffered no damage to her heart muscle. She was monitored for another three days in the hospital before being released. During her week-long stay, Linda's physicians and nurses were professional, kind and extremely attentive. "I never had to ask for anything and never felt ignored. I feel like I received the best care possible."

After being discharged from the hospital, Linda is feeling better day by day and will continue frequent heart monitoring. She's grateful for the excellent care and fast action of her Oviedo Medical Center care team. While the experience was scary, she hopes her story will serve as a lesson for other women.

"Women are often so consumed with taking care of others. We must be more conscious of our own health and go to the doctor when something feels off. If one woman's life is saved from sharing my story, it will be worth it."