Conyers, Ga. (September 19, 2025) – On Memorial Day, Shelli Siebert was at home when she began experiencing intense pain in her upper chest, radiating into her jaw and down her left arm. Recognizing the severity of her symptoms, her husband called for emergency medical assistance. Siebert was transported by ambulance to Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, where she received baby aspirin and nitroglycerin en route—medications that helped ease her chest pain.
Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, Siebert underwent bloodwork that revealed elevated troponin levels, a key indicator of heart damage. While it took the Emergency Department some time to determine the nature of Siebert’s symptoms, once the decision was made to consult cardiology, her care went into warp speed. The cardiac team quickly identified that she was experiencing a heart attack and acted swiftly to provide life-saving intervention.
“I'm deeply grateful to the incredible team at Piedmont Rockdale Cardiac for their kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support,” said Seibert. “I feel truly blessed and grateful to have completed overcome this challenge and ready for the next chapter…with a stronger heart.”
Siebert’s medical history includes atrial fibrillation (AFib), cardiac pulmonary sarcoidosis, and an implanted defibrillator placed over 15 years ago to help regulate her heart rhythm. These factors made her case particularly complex, but the coordinated efforts of the cardiac team ensured timely and effective care once activated.
Siebert has long been a vibrant part of the Conyers-Rockdale community. From 2015 to 2025, she served as the executive director of the Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts, where she championed theater, public art programs, music, education initiatives, and more. Today, she continues her advocacy for the community through her work with the City of Conyers.
Reflecting on her experience, Siebert shared that while the initial hours were a blur, the care she received from the cath lab team, ICU, IMCU, and especially the cardiac rehab staff was incredibly comforting. She recently graduated from cardiac rehab and credits the team at Piedmont Rockdale for helping her heal and regain strength.
Piedmont Heart Institute is a leader in cardiovascular care and offers specialized programs for women through its Women’s Heart program. This initiative focuses on the unique symptoms, risk factors, and treatment needs of women, who often experience heart attacks differently than men. Symptoms in women may include chest discomfort, jaw pain, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm. Piedmont’s Women’s Heart program provides personalized care, education, and support to help women take charge of their heart health.
Learn more about how our team of heart specialists, dedicated exclusively to women, can help improve your heart health.