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Hospital.’ As far as I’m concerned, it was the only
place to go.”
Despite her symptoms, Sandy was having a hard
time believing it was a heart attack. In addition
to eating well, the Hoyts live an active lifestyle—
regular mountain biking, kayaking and playing
golf. In addition, Sandy tries to do 45 minutes of
cardio exercise each day.
But the realization of what was happening began
to sink in. It was scary—but she and Chuck were
both comforted by the trust of a familiar place.
“When we got to SJCH, it was like déjà vu.
We said ‘heart,’ and the team sprang to action,”
Chuck says.
Still, he remembers feeling anxious and help-
less while Sandy was taken back to the Cath
Lab. “I was just sitting there in the waiting room
uple calls SJCH ‘the only place to go’
wondering how my life was going to change. It’s
not a pleasant feeling. I was so relieved when they
wheeled her out and she was smiling.”
Enjoying life—feeling grateful
While their close calls haven’t been forgotten,
life is pretty much back to normal for the Hoyts.
Which, for them, means doing all the activities
they did before. “Since our procedures, we’re
even more committed to living healthy and active
lives,” Chuck says.
In addition to their heart health, the couple is
also very thankful for the great care delivered at
SJCH—and the added confidence of having a
go-to hospital right here in their community.
“To me, SJCH is all about caring for our com-
munity,” Chuck notes. “They strive to be the best
in all categories of medicine—not just heart care.”
Sandy echoes his thoughts, with an emphasis
on the well-being of her family. “I’m so thankful
to the hospital for the amazing care I received. It’s
amazing to still be able to do all the things I love
to do! No matter the situation, I want all my kids
and grandkids to go to SJCH for their health care.
It’s the only place to go.”
“When we got to SJCH, it was
like déjà vu. We said ‘heart,’
and the team sprang to action.”
—Chuck Hoyt
“When my wife had a heart attack, there was
no question that we needed to go to SJCH,”
Chuck Hoyt says.
Head:
Light-
headedness or
sudden dizziness
Chest:
Pain, pressure,
fullness or squeezing
in the middle of the
chest that lasts more
than a few minutes or
comes and goes
Skin:
Cold sweat
Arm(s), back, jaw,
neck, shoulder(s):
Pain or discomfort
Lungs:
Shortness
of breath, with
or without chest
discomfort
Stomach:
Nausea
or discomfort
MAKE THE
CALL NOW
Don’t wait more than five
minutes to call 911 if you
think you or someone
else is having a heart
attack. Fast action can
save lives.
Source: American Heart
Association