GAIL ROMANINI of Merritt Island, at left, with husband Steve Strong and Health First Cardiologist Kevin Campbell, MD, FACC, recently recalled her harrowing heart disease journey for Spectrum 13 News. “I’m happy to share what I know. Today, when my girlfriends say, ‘I think I’ve got GERD – I’m going to see a doctor.’ I say, please, don’t stop there!”

Gail Romanini’s heart story is surprising – but not uncommon. When she sits down this Valentine’s Day with the little humans in her life who call her “Gigi,” the heart symbols all around her will serve to remind her of her own strong recovery from an emergency bypass surgery.

“I feel 99% back,” she says.

WATCH the full feature on Spectrum News 13

But it was a journey, and one she’d like other women to hear.

Gail Romanini lived with a reflux diagnosis for seven years, until a cardiac catheterization early in 2022 gave way to an ambulance ride to Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center and an emergency triple bypass.

Romanini’s cardiologist, Health First’s Kevin Campbell, MD, says heart disease in women, even in critical stages, may not present the same classic symptoms as it does in men, and women are often underserved by medicine.

“The greatest risk that any woman has when it comes to coronary artery disease is just not knowing – it’s really about raising awareness,” Dr. Campbell says. “Women tend to present older, with more extensive disease, later in the disease course.”

“Women tend to put everyone else before themselves. They have multiple roles – mom, spouse, and, in many cases, working professional – it is vital you take time to care for yourself as well as those you love. Advocate for yourself – and other women. Ensure all women get the care they deserve."

“I’m happy to share what I know. Today, when my girlfriends say, ‘I think I’ve got GERD – I’m going to see a doctor.’ I say, please, don’t stop there!”

WATCH the full feature, including Dr. Campbell's cri de cœur for women to be seen, on Spectrum News 13.