(PHOENIX - Feb. 19, 2026) – On her 50th birthday, a Dignity Health cardiovascular coordinator’s life was saved by the quick action of her own colleagues who averted what could have been a deadly “widowmaker” heart attack. Now, during American Heart Month, Maggie Nevarez is sharing her survival story to inspire other women to prioritize their heart health and embrace resources like the new cardiometabolic clinic at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. 

In February 2024, Maggie committed to returning to the gym ahead of an upcoming milestone birthday vacation. However, she started experiencing persistent and unsettling chest pain during  workouts with her personal trainer. 

“I tried to brush it off, and ignore it but the pain wasn’t going away,” said Maggie. “I mentioned it to my colleagues almost casually, and because they are acutely aware of the subtle signs of cardiac distress, they immediately urged me to see my primary care doctor.”

The very next morning, Maggie followed their advice. Her primary care doctor recognized the urgency and swiftly referred her to a cardiologist. That afternoon, diagnostic imaging revealed a critical and alarming finding. Maggie had heart disease and a major 80% blockage in her left anterior descending artery (LAD) - a condition known as a “widowmaker” due to its extremely high risk of sudden and deadly heart attack. 

“It was a truly surreal experience,” said Maggie. “My colleagues, the very people I work with every day to care for others, ended up saving my life. Their quick action and insistence on getting my heart evaluated prevent a major cardiac event.”

Remarkably, on her 50th birthday, Maggie underwent a successful procedure to have a stent placed, alleviating the dangerous blockage. This pivotal moment solidified her commitment to making heart health an unwavering priority as she entered the next chapter of her life.

Today, Maggie is healthy and serves as a testament to the integrated care model of the cardiovascular team at Dignity Health. She is a patient of the new cardiometabolic clinic at St. Joseph’s which focuses on helping individuals understand the crucial connection between their heart health and overall wellbeing. 

“Our team’s goal  is to empower Maggie to effectively manage her heart disease,” said Suzanne Sewell, cardiovascular nurse practitioner for the cardiometabolic clinic. “We provide her with tools and resources to manage her blood sugar and consistently monitor her cholesterol in an effort to keep her heart disease risk factors low and prevent any future serious cardiac events.”

As Maggie celebrates her 52nd birthday during American Heart Month, she reflects on the immense gratitude she feels for her colleagues who helped advocate for her health so she can continue to make memories with her family.

“Looking back, I realized how close I came to ignoring the warning signs,” said Maggie. “Like many women, I tried to downplay how I was feeling. I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. But, my Dignity Health team helped me realize that my health is my main priority. The best thing I can do for myself and for the people I love is to take care of my heart and body.”

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