Onvida Health

Heart care is often defined by what happens in the first few minutes, but for Yuma resident Griscel Alcala, it was everything that came after that made the difference.

Like many women, Griscel did not recognize the early symptoms of a heart attack. It was not until her husband and son found her unresponsive and performed CPR before EMS arrived that the severity of the situation became clear. She was rushed to Onvida Health, where a multidisciplinary team quickly moved to restore blood flow and stabilize her condition. Within minutes, she was in the cardiac catheterization lab where physicians treated a 100% blocked artery.

Over the next 10 days, Onvida Health’s emergency, cardiac and ICU teams worked together around the clock to support her recovery. Her condition required advanced interventions, including cardiac devices and intensive monitoring as her care team continued to stabilize and strengthen her heart.

Led by Dr. Evren Kaynak, the heart team’s responsiveness, compassion and coordination is something her family credits with saving her life. After discharge, Griscel continued her recovery through Onvida Health’s Transitional Care and Cardiopulmonary Rehab as she rebuilt her strength.

Today, she is back at work, back with her family and back cheering on her sons at their performances. Her story is a powerful reminder for our community: heart attack symptoms can look different for everyone, especially women. If something does not feel right, seek care right away.

We are grateful to Griscel and her family for trusting us during such a critical time, and to the care teams whose dedication helped make her recovery possible.

Read Griscel’s full story at https://www.onvidahealth.org/about-us/annual-report/