Cancelled Doctor’s Appointment Leads to Life-Saving Heart Attack Diagnosis

A routine phone call to cancel a doctor’s appointment inadvertently saved a Denver woman’s life when alert medical staff recognized the signs of a heart attack. The quick thinking of Kim Headley and Tonya Hopper at Intermountain Health ensured Launice Freeny-Brown received immediate medical attention.

A Call for Cancellation Turns Critical

Launice Freeny-Brown woke up at 4 a.m. Feeling unwell, experiencing chest pulsations and exhaustion. She decided to cancel her scheduled doctor’s appointment, but by 6 a.m., she found herself unable to move easily. When she contacted her doctor’s office, her labored breathing immediately raised concerns for Kim Headley, a patient contact care specialist.

“I got the call and she was talking and she was really short of breath. Like she would have to say a word or two and then she would have to accept a breath again and I finally proceed, ‘Are you short of breath?’ And she’s like, ‘Well, you recognize, I kinda am,'” Headley recounted. Freeny-Brown then reported experiencing the worst chest pain of her life, prompting Headley to immediately consult with a registered nurse.

Headley quickly contacted Tonya Hopper, the nurse on call. However, Freeny-Brown lost connection before she could speak with Hopper. Unable to reach Freeny-Brown’s emergency contacts, Hopper made a critical decision and contacted 911, requesting a welfare check at her home.

Swift Action Saves a Life

Paramedics and firefighters arrived at Freeny-Brown’s home just minutes after the call disconnected. “There was banging on my front door and I said, ‘Who is that at my front door?’ And I looked up, it was the paramedics and the fire department,” Freeny-Brown recalled. She was experiencing a heart attack and hadn’t realized the severity of her condition.

“I really do appreciate her as she saved my life,” Freeny-Brown said. “And at that moment, I didn’t know I was having a heart attack.” She believes she would have remained at home and her condition could have been fatal without the intervention of Headley and Hopper.

Three months later, Freeny-Brown had the opportunity to personally thank Headley and Hopper for their life-saving actions. “I am so grateful and I appreciate you two so much. And I owe you my life,” she expressed.

Recognizing the Signs of a Heart Attack

Heart attacks can manifest differently in individuals. According to the American Heart Association, some heart attacks initiate suddenly and intensely, although others start slowly with mild discomfort. It’s crucial to pay attention to your body and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Chest discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest
• Discomfort in other areas: Arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath: Can occur with or without chest discomfort
• Other signs: Cold sweat, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness

Symptoms can vary between men and women. The American Heart Association notes that women may experience anxiety, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, pain in the shoulder, back, or arm, and unusual tiredness or weakness.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.