CLEVELAND -- One of the biggest messages of the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women campaign is to not ignore the symptoms.

Many women have a tendency to do this, and for one Mayfield Heights woman, it was almost too late.

Donna Linden said she's usually not afraid, but she was scared to go to the doctor about her heart. In fact, she put it off for years.

When she finally did get a diagnosis, it was serious.

"(One of the surgeons said) after a nine and a half hour surgery, they were like bricks of brittle ice. I don't know how this woman was functioning with these valves," Linden said.

Linden's doctor, cardiovascular surgeon Judith Mackell at University Hospitals, said it's not uncommon for women to put off critical care.

"They're the care giver and not the care receiver, and they tend to seek medical care later in the course of their illness before they realize it requires medical attention," said Mackell.

Linden had shortness of breath, and that and chest pain are the clearest symptoms you should look for.

Women should also watch their bodies for signs of decreased tolerance to exercise, fatigue and shortness of breath when you're changing positions.

Linden's extensive cardiac surgery was more than four years ago. She said she lives a full life, seeing friends, enjoying movies and plays.

Her advice for other women is don't be scared and take care of yourself.

"You've got to hear the truth and then they can take care of it, god willing," she said. "You've got to buck up, get brave and think about how important life is and how much there is to live for."

For more information, go to Newsnet5.com's Go Red For Women page.