Medical experts are issuing a vital warning about a rare and unpredictable heart condition that can strike seemingly healthy individuals, often with devastating consequences. Known as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, or SCAD, this life-threatening event occurs without warning and currently cannot be prevented.
What is SCAD and Why is it So Dangerous?
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection happens when a tear forms inside one of the heart's coronary arteries. This tear allows blood to pool between the layers of the artery wall, creating a blockage that can severely restrict or completely cut off blood flow to the heart muscle. This process can trigger a heart attack.
Unlike typical heart attacks, which are often linked to a lifetime of risk factors like high cholesterol, SCAD frequently affects people with no prior history of cardiovascular disease. The condition remains largely mysterious to doctors, with its root cause still unknown. It is most commonly diagnosed only after a cardiac event has already occurred.
Who is at Risk and What Are the Symptoms?
While SCAD can affect anyone, it disproportionately impacts women. Approximately 80% of all cases occur in women, particularly those aged between 45 and 53. It is also notably associated with pregnancy and the post-partum period.
The symptoms of a SCAD event are identical to those of a heart attack or severe angina and require immediate emergency response. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), key warning signs include:
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness.
- Pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
- Sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.
- Profuse sweating, nausea, or an overwhelming feeling of fatigue.
The BHF stresses that anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 999 without delay. Many people dismiss early signs, believing they are not at risk for heart problems, which can lead to dangerous delays in treatment.
Living with a SCAD Diagnosis
Treatment for SCAD varies and may involve medications to manage blood clotting, the insertion of stents to prop open the damaged artery, or, in rare cases, coronary artery bypass surgery. Recovery can be a long road, both physically and mentally.
"A SCAD diagnosis can be frightening, especially if you've found out about it after an emergency," the BHF notes. The charity highlights that many patients feel isolated due to the rarity of their condition and encourages seeking support from healthcare professionals, loved ones, or online services.
Crucially, the foundation states that SCAD "can’t currently be predicted or prevented." This makes awareness of the symptoms and swift action the most critical tools for survival and recovery. Understanding this spontaneous condition could save a life.
