Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a relatively rare and poorly understood condition that seems to affect more women than men. The coronary arteries consist of three layers, and dissection occurs when two of these layers separate, enabling blood to flow into the space between the layers. As the blood accumulates, this can cause obstruction to normal blood flow within the heart, leading to chest pain, heart attack and even sudden death.
Because SCAD is relatively rare, the medical community has much to learn about treatment and prevention of this potentially fatal cardiovascular event.
Mayo Clinic is conducting two new studies of SCAD. One involves building a database of patients with SCAD (whether they have been patients at Mayo Clinic or not) to hopefully identify patterns that could guide future research. Another involves creating a biobank of blood samples from patients with SCAD and their close relatives, to potentially see whether genetic factors play a role in development of SCAD.
To be eligible to participate in the studies, you or a close relative need to have a confirmed diagnosis of SCAD, which is done through a coronary angiogram. If you are interested in learning more about the studies and whether you may be eligible, please contact the study coordinator at (507) 255-0473.
With your consent, Mayo Clinic staff will request a CD of your angiograms from your physician, to determine whether you qualify for the studies. If you are eligible, they will contact you and provide more information about the studies and ask you to sign an informed consent document.
Updated 11/13/2011
Can patients from Canada participate in the study?
Gabriella, please go the post and fill out the paperwork. They will let you know if you are eligible.
I had a diagnosis in 4/2011 of coronary dissection and acute coronary syndrome- I had no intervention and only take daily aspirin now- I am 43 years old and am in good overall health and condition. I am wondering if my case qualifies as SCAD? I got the feeling from my cardiologist that my experience was a “fluke” and not something potentially fatal- should I be worried?
Thanks.
We have received your question and have referred it for reply.
Hi Mel — Thanks for your email and questions. Here is a link to the post that shows what the study is about and the forms that need to be completed if you are interested in participating in the study, but you also may want to connect with the researchers at MayoSCAD@mayo.edu to ask your specific questions. Best wishes, Traci
I am an elite triathlete/ Sp Ed teacher from Las Cruces NM. I am 41 years old and I have been doing triathlons at a highly competitive level for 20 years and have completed the Hawaii Ironman World Championships a couple of times. I had just finished triathlons #200 and 201 when on July 21, 2011 my world came face to face with SCAD. I am in perfect harmony with my body and I know exactly what it felt like as well as in retrospect the events which should have caused concern, but it hard to believe there is a problem when I would have an excellent race result. I would love to be involved in the study.
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I had a SCAD in Jan. 2009. I would consider being in the study
Hi Patty — I am sorry you experienced a SCAD, but I’m glad you have seen some of our information on it. Here is a link to the paperwork needed to participate in the study. Please let me know if you need anything else. Traci
My SCAD episode took place in 1988. Needless to say, the University of Virginia Hospital was having a hard time coming up with a diagnosis. Dr. Mark Feldman was asked to look at my angiogram and spotted the dissection. Survivors could not be found so the doctors were stumped as to how to treat me. They took a chance with six weeks of coumadin and then daily aspirn. Tracking down my angiogram will not be easy but I would give it a try and sign up for a study if you have any interest in a long-term survivor who is also adopted.
Hi Mary, I believe you already have seen the information we need for the study, but it’s in the link. In addition, though, here is the email to the researchers studying SCAD at Mayo, MayoSCAD@mayo.edu, in case you want to connect with someone about your specific questions. Thanks so much for your interest, and best wishes, Traci
Mary … so nice to meet a long term SCAD survivor! If you can believe it, I graduated from UVA 1987, the year before your SCAD! Thank you for pursuing the study. It’s an exciting time.
Katherine
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I am a 51 year old healthy female, a wife, mother, runner and triathlete that had a SCAD one year ago. I had just competed in a triathalon on my 50th birthday with my three sisters and six friends (my idea of a great birthday party!) Two days later, I had my heart attack. I do not smoke, do not have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, am not overweight, and I am not under stress. I would love to be part of the study at Mayo Clinic and I have filled out my paperwork. I am so grateful for the article written by Ron Winslow in the Wall Street Journal on August 30th, for it brought me to the WomenHeart site. Thank you Katherine and Laura for getting the information on SCAD out there, and Dr. Hayes for agreeing to do the study!
Hi Libby — I’m sorry that you experienced a SCAD, but I’m glad you saw the story in the Wall Street Journal and that you would like to participate in the study. The response following the Wall Street Journal story has been quite amazing … the power of patients, physicians, the press and social media! Please let me know if you I can be of other help. Traci
I am a WH survivor and champion! Mayo ’08
I suffered a SCAD as a result of a very difficult stenting procedure in 2004. I know there are angiograms of before and after but not sure there is one “during.” And if a man-made SCAD even qualifies for this study.
Thanks,
Lynn Kelly
Hi Lynn — I believe I remember meeting you in ’08 at Mayo. I’m sending you a link to our post that gives you instructions to join the study. In that link, you also will find an email MayoSCAD@mayo.edu. I wonder if you might like to send an email, asking about your particular case and checking to see if you are candidate. Best wishes to you, Traci
I had a SCAD two years ago and because I am one of the lucky ones, I would love to be part of the study.
Hi Jennifer — Thanks so much for contacting us. I’m sorry you experienced this but also am glad you are one of the lucky ones. Here is a link to a post that will give you information to join the study. Best wishes to you, Traci
In 2007 I did a century cycle race in utah. for the next two years I had symptoms but ignored them until 2009. Symptoms were my foot going numb after running for 15 minutes, vision problems etc.. I finally told my Dr and she ordered a Brain scan. An hour later I was admitted into Barrows Neurological Institute for six days. Dr Spetzler told me I had an occlusion in my internal carotid artery and later found an occlusion in an artery in my lower leg. Spetzler was going to do a bypass for my carotid but did not feel comfortable since we didnt know the cause yet.
My journey began for the next two years seeing specialists and giving blood but no one can figure it out. Drs at the Cleveland Clinic say not to get my heart rate up more than 130 but Drs here are praising me for the training I have done because it has opened my collateral’s. Some Drs want me on cumadin, I have refused. I started on Plavix and now I am on Aspirin. I have continued my cycling, running and swimming. I wish I had more answers.
All I have heard from Drs are “you are an anomaly” . That stinks. Am I a candidate?
Dear Margaret,
Thanks so much for contacting us. I’m linking you here to a post about how to get involved in the study. There is an email within the blog (the third link) where you can contact the research team and ask some specific questions to see if you are a candidate. That email is MayoSCAD@mayo.edu. That might be a good idea for you. Best wishes to you. Traci
Hello,
My name is Julie &I had a SCAD in aug 2010 so am approaching 2years post event.I live in Co.Tipperary,Ireland. I was playing tennis and afterwards developed chest pain and NSTEMI. I heard about the Mayo clinic trial and contacted them last month .I was excited to know that research is ongoing there as in Ireland there is no current reseach.Research is the key to our future.
Then by chance I found this website last night and it’s great. Best wishes
Julie
I have bilateral carotid artery dissection it started in March 2011. Is it related to SCAD? I have been diagnosed by MRI & a neurologist at Kaiser Perm in Walnut Creek, CA. I am 57. My last MRI showed one side has healed and the other is 3/4 of the way healed. I am very concerned about why it happened so I could prevent it from happening again. I was lucky because I was already taking asprins when it happened so no stroke or heart attack. I would be willing to be in the study. Thank you.
Hi Joanne. What an amazing story! Someone may have already given you this information, but if not, you can ask your question directly to the researchers at MayoSCAD@mayo.edu.
My SCAD was October 2010, I would like to be considered for this study and continue to receive information. Thanks!
Hello, Mary. We are sorry to hear that you experienced a SCAD last year. Thank you for wanting to participate in the study and I have attached a post with more information regarding how to join the study:
I had a heart attack 2/01 caused by SCAD. My left anterior descending artery had a spontaneous dissection about 18 hrs. before the heart attack. I know now the hours because I had a “strange sensation” in my chest that I could not relate to any thing.A heart catheterization and then 3 stents placed was the treatment.I am completing the forms that I copied from the Mayo site to see if I may be included in the study or at least I may be able to help others with this diagnosis.
Thank you for sharing your experience and for taking the time to complete the study forms. We will forward your comment to the research coordinators as well. Thanks again.
I saw the info. about SCAD in the August 30 edition of the WSJ. Thank you, thank you for this article.
Hi Beth — We are so glad you saw the story and that it was helpful to you, as a SCAD survivor. Thank you for your interest in the study. Traci
Are the mechanisms for spontaneous carotid artery dissection the same as for coronary artery dissection? I experienced the former two years ago and would like to be part of the study.
Thank you for your comment. We will go ahead and forward your question to the research coordinators for their review and response.
Hi Anne — In case you don’t have it yet, here is a link to information about the study: http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2011/08/17/scad-spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection-studies-at-mayo-clinic/. You also can email the researchers questions at MayoSCAD@mayo.edu. Thank you and best wishes, Traci
I am willing to participate. I had SCAD post partum in October 2009.
Gail, thank you for wanting to participate in the SCAD study. Please review and complete the forms found in the following link http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2011/08/17/scad-spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection-studies-at-mayo-clinic/
Hi Gail — I am sorry you experienced a SCAD. I’m not certain if you have found information on the study, but here is a link: http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2011/08/17/scad-spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection-studies-at-mayo-clinic/ Best wishes to you, and let us know if you have more questions. Traci
I am a 59 year old female and I had a diagnosis in Feb.2011 of SCAD. I am on Warfarin and a Baby ASA now. I also had a Right Anterior Artery Dissection back in Aug 2001 which I was on Warfarin for one year and a Baby ASA.
Hi Lois — Thanks for sharing your story. In case you are interested in learning more about Mayo’s SCAD research and possibly being part of it, here is the link: http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2011/08/17/scad-spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection-studies-at-mayo-clinic/. Best wishes to you, Traci
I recently read the August 30 WSJ article about SCAD. I suffered a dissection of both my left anterior desending and right circumflex arteries in February 2006. The left side of my heart suffered so severely that I received an LVAD, and I’m listed for transplant at Johns Hopkins. I am very interested in learning more about this study and possibly participating. Thank you to all those out there sharing your stories.
Hi Janna — Thanks for your post and getting in touch with us. I am sorry for all you have been for. Here is a link to help you learn more about the study and to consider participating: http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2011/08/17/scad-spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection-studies-at-mayo-clinic/. In addition, if you have specific questions, you can email the researchers at MayoSCAD@mayo.edu. Best wishes to you, Traci
My Aunt passed on the WSJ article. I had my SCAD last Summer, 6/2010. I had just turned 46
In Oregon. Symptomatic for 10 days-2weeks. After an angiogram, 4 stents. I will participate in the study.
And thank you so much for being a catalyst!
Hi Kathy — I continue to be amazed at the stories we are hearing from people. I’m glad you got treatment and are doing OK. It sounds like you have information on the study, but in case not, here is a link with the forms to fill out: http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2011/08/17/scad-spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection-studies-at-mayo-clinic/ Let us know if you need anything else. Thank you, Traci
Hi Kathy,
I’m also in Oregon, am 46, and just had a SCAD on Aug, 31st, 2011. Now have 2 drug coated stents in my lower LAD….so sorry about the SCAD in common with you.
I had a SCAD episode and follow-up surgeries in Nov. 2010 and Jan. 2011. Would I be eligible to participate in your study?
My SCAD episode was in September 2004. I was actually at the hospital, while my Dad was getting a pacemaker, when my symptoms started. After admission to the hospital, elevated cardiac enzymes and a heart cath, three stents were placed in my LAD coronary artery. The diagnosis was spontaneous dissection with no known cause. I would love to participate in your study.
I recently read the article “When Patients Band together; Using Social Networks to Spur Research for Rare Diseases: Mayo on” and am impressed by the SCAD community that has formed. The Yale Heart Study also recognizes the value of people sharing their stories. We are currently asking people who have had a heart attack to tell us about their experiences at our study website: http://heartstudy.yale.edu/hacs/. The goal of this study is to help people get care as quickly as possible when they are having heart attack symptoms. Together we can make a difference!
I had a major heart attack on September 17, 2010 at the age of 42. I was later told it was a dissection of my LAD and I was very lucky to be alive. Coincidentally, my mother had a dissection of her LAD in 2003 at the age of 53. I did not have any symptoms whatsoever in that I was thin, had great blood pressure, no high cholesterol, never any problems whatsoever. Was this a SCAD? We would both like to become participants in your study.
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I experienced my SCAD in December, 2001. I was 54 at the time, healthy, and had completed a two-mile brisk walk that morning. I had a heart attack while sitting at my desk at work and was fortunate to get to a hospital, be examined and taken by ambulance to another hospital 30 minutes away that had catherization capability. Because of two episodes 3 days apart, I now have 5 stents in my LAD artery and consider myself a lucky girl to be writing to you. I will fill out the paperwork to participate in the study. Bravo Mayo!
I have happily just passed my 7 year anniversary of suffering 3 heart attacks in the space of a week due to SCAD. My LAD dissected from top to bottom so there was no-where left to attach a bypass and possibility for stents. My husband was called to quickly come and say goodbye.
Magically, I survived and although its been a long journey with many ups and downs, I am now doing well and am medically managed. I suffered a huge amount of heart damage and am an an aggressive drug regime. I was 36 when I suffered SCAD
I would love to be included in the study (I’m from the UK – but am a writer who is published in the US so do make trips to US every now and again) And will fill in the forms and email back.
Thank you for putting in the time to find out more about this terrible condition.
Hello,
I had a SCAD in February of theis year! I was one week postpartum and had a quadruple bypass about four hours after symptoms began. There were no symptoms leading up, it just started all at once. I would love to participate in the study!
My wife had SCAD January this year, about 6 weeks postpartum, she needed a quad bi-pass but one of the arteries had developed collaterals, so the surgical team went with a triple instead. No family history of heart disease and is in top phsyical shape. However in the last week she started having heart palpitations (on the order of a few hundred a day,she wore a portable ecg and just handed it back in on Friday for the Dr’s to distill the data), I can’t find anything relative given her back ground. To make things harder she is a cicu nurse and is quick to dismiss these palpitations (no dizzines or any other effects associated with, although she seems more tired lately, he also hooked her self up on the ecg and determined they were pvc’s, so she said it’s nothing to worry about, but given the quantity of these palpitations, I am)…so my question is two fold. Should I be worried and does anyone have any info? Thanks in advance,
Ron
Thank you for your comment and we are looking into an answer.
The palpitations are subsiding (20/day), but we noticed that they escalated and subsided concurrently with her ovulation (see post below)…are there tests that can help determine what physical changes (elasticity, surface area (where electric current is carried), wall thickness (fiber density) etc…) her cardiovascular system is going through during these elevated hormone cycles (fear is she will dissect again during a cycle)? In other words, since these palpitations are assumed, are there potential mechanic complications associated with these hormonal cycles?
BTW they (palpitations) are at a higher rate (more than 10/hour…up to 40/hr) when she’s at rest (lower heart rate)…
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I had a spontaneous dissection of the Left Anterior Descending Cardiac Artery 2 years ago. Originally treated as a normal ?non stemi heart attack. 5 days later when bush fires around Queensland had abated I was flown from Gladstone to Brisbane by Royal Flying Doctors and had an angiogram at Prince Charles Hospital. At first the consultant couldn’t find anything but eventually was able to show me a small hairline split. Treated non evasively with meds. I was 52, never smoked, but obese and had been suffering with sporadic ? moderately elevated BP possibly menopause/hormonally driven. I have been well apart from the worry of chest pain ?referred by indigestion and back problems. Worrying but not lethal so far. On meds as for a normal heart attach which do not agree with me, I have a hiatus hernis that they seem to upset. I don’t think they are doing much apart from causing gut problems. I’d be interested in participating if it’s feasible despite living in Australia. If not I’d like to be advised of results. I’d be very interested in finding out if I actually should be on all these meds usually given for more normal heart attacks.
I am 7 weeks out from double bypass surgery due to SCAD. I have owned a fitness center for the past 13 years and would consider myself in excellent shape. My episode started as I was getting ready to participate in a half marathon. I would love to be part of your study to find out more about this mysterious condition (for the sake of my family)
I am a 55 year old female living in Victoria, Australia and also had a SCAD event on 27th September 2011. I had an angiogram and where it occured in the very distal LAD, could not be stented. I am being treated with a conservative approach. I did not have high Blood Pressure or Cholesterol or any other Medical History. Looking forward to being a part of the study and perhaps getting some answers.
My name is april. Email aprilephillips@comcast.net. I would love to have contact with you, as we had the same thing. I would like to compare note. I had a scad in distal lad, medically managed. I did suffer a heart attack and damage due to doctors being slow to cath lab.
Hello Ricci and April!
I think my condition was like yours. I came home five days ago from the hospital after 11 days with meds after what I think 4 attacks after dissecition to far down LAD to be able to treat any other way but meds. I have so many questions but since I am from Sweden and the doctors here had met 2 other with same condition in 20 years, I got now answers other than what I have is rare and I will be well soon. My email is minna.ljungberg@gmail.com. I would like to have contact and be part of the study.
Kind regards Minna from Sweden
I was diagnosed with SCAD last week (10/10/2011) by an angiogram. I am healthy 47yr old, postmenopausal on HRT, recently developed hypercholesterolemia. Both my Father and brother had MIs and CABGS due the artherosclerosis.
Being a nurse I have been aware of family history and heart disease and the effect it could have on me. But SCAD is a condition that I have not heard of through these years. I would like to take part in the research if it is open to Australians.
Please pass on information regarding similar research being done in australian region.
Thanks
Hi,
10 days after c section i had a massive heart attack,at the hospital due to SCAD.Left main coronary artery dissection.I had double bypass.Afterwards i developed severe complications.Blodd clot in my legs,lung.Fluid in my left lung.I was almost 2 month hospitiliazed.I was not able to hold my baby for a long time.Now it is been almost 7 month,i lost half of my heart funktion.Hopefully will improve..I hope there will be no reoccurance,that is my nightmare,since none of the doctors knows why did this happened?I never smoked,never drink,eating healty,exersizing regulary..I wonder why this happened to me?
I was 4-3 female when I had my SCAD. I was in hospital for 6 weeks waiting for my heart to do a natural bypass-it did not so I went on to have 2 stents. I am doing very well. Medications seem to be my problem-tiredness. I am now 47 and consider myself to be very lucky! I would love to take part in the study
I am 51 yrs old and I’ve had two SCAD’s in the last year. One on the inferal lateral branch of the circumflex coronary artery in October 2010 and one on the left anterior descending coronary artery September 2011. I’m in Oregon for those others here…
After the first one, they put me on a statin, plavix and metoprolol. I also took CoQ10 and calcium and magnesium at the recommendation of a naturopath. I stopped taking the statin after I talked to the naturopath, my pharmacist and a physical therapist I know. I was also reading Dean Ornish’s book on Reversing Heart Disease and they all held similar opinions about statins for people without family history of high cholesterol. I started eating more vegetables and fruit, less rice, bread and pasta and less refined sugar. I added dried fruits and nuts to my diet and lost 15lbs. I felt good!
I was so excited to be released from the Plavix in July 2011 after the October 2010 heart attack. I was getting goose eggs everytime I bumped into anything. In late August I walked the Portland to Coast Relay and in early September I had the second dissection. There has been no cardiac follow up yet. I don’t think they know what to say. And when they told me in the hospital that it didn’t matter what I did, I got depressed. Doctors should never say things like that. The connection between body and mind is too strong. So, I made an appointment with a therapist and I signed up for cardiac rehab, if that’s all they’ve got for me then I’m going for it. At least then I can feel like I’m doing something. I know I can’t control this, but I can do the best I can at being healthy and engaged in life.
Wow, I am so encouraged by this website!
I am 55 yrs old. On Sept. 9, 2011 I had a weird back/and chest pain. After an angiogram I was diagnosed with SCAD, my RCA had a dissection in the smaller vessel so couldn’t be stinted.
Upon getting ready for work one morning, I developed back/chest ‘pain’ that lasted 40 min. It radiated from my upper back to my upper sternum. Being diagnosed with SCAD leaves me feeling ‘alone’ as little is known about SCAD and most Dr’s have never heard of it. My Cardiologist has me on 81 mg aspirin and 75 mg Plavix, and wants another angiogram in 6 mos. He advised no lifting nor exercise for several months. Bummer! ( this has been hard and depressing). I am an avid walker/hiker, don’t smoke nor drink and my angiogram showed a healthy heart, I don’t have high BP, eat healthy (for the most part!) and am not overweight – 5’4 110 pounds.’This is so disappointing and all my friends say… ‘and you’re so healthy!’ I feel like a walking ‘time bomb’ as no one knows what can prevent this. Therefore I am very interested in this study.
I have concerns over having another angio. Do yo think this is necessary? I would like to have a less invasive test. My Dr. still wants to go ahead and sched. one for Feb.
I want to mention that in 2010 I had a routine vag. hysterectomy w/ A&P repair, of which I had 3 spontaneous hemorrhages from each site… in the 4th ,5th and 6th week post op. I saw many Doctors and ended up in Loma Linda Med Ctr. in CA. This was extremely frightening and almost died of blood loss. The specialists told me I was ‘very rare’, strange and “unheard of’. My vessels from each incision had to be cauterized…wondering if there is any relationship in regards to my vessel tenacity/turgor along with fluctuating hormones. The Drs were so puzzled and still are. I am continually haunted, emotionally over this. Now I am again told, with SCAD, that this is ‘very rare’…..
I am looking forward to what will be learned in this study, and hope I can be of some use!
Thank you
Elaine
I have a 6 yr. old daughter. She was born on April 14, 2005, via C-section. I was 34 years old at this time. I stayed in the hospital for the full 5 days. On my 2nd night home, while changing my babys diaper, I began to feel the ‘classic’ symptoms of a heart attack… “elephant sitting on my chest”, both arms became very heavy, and I began to feel weak. Long story short, when the emergency crew came in, and determined I was having a heart attack, I was taken via Lifestar to the the hospital. En route, My heart has stopped for 18 minutes, and they used the defibrillator on my twice, and performed CPR. I remained in the Cardiac Intesive care, for 2 weeks, (without having an opportunity to bond with my baby.) The only explanation I got was its something that happens to new mothers, and it was rather rare. My greatest question was how did the Lining of my aorta tear?? I still dont know, and at this point, can only come to my own conclusions. I was told not to try to have any more children, but I still want to know why, and how it happened.
I had my aortic dissection in March ’06. I inderstan it ran from tje apex of the arch and then cut off my left illiac artery. I never had problems with my BP. I was 52 at the time. I worked more than full time. Never had any previous symptoms. My father did have 2 aortic aneurism both were repaired. I would like to be in your study if possible
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I suffered a SCAD in my LAD 09/2010. I am medically managed, but I did suffer a heart attack and heart damage to my apex while in the hospital. As, they waited 2 days to cath even while having acute coronary syndrome and severe heart attack symptoms. I would love to participate and help bring attention and treatment for this condition in any way I can.
I had a SCAD in January 2011 causing acute myocardial infraction. I was given a catheterization and had 2 stents implanted. I was 52, had low blood pressure, very low cholesterol levels and no reason to think I’d have a heart attack. My symptoms came on very quickly and strong, including jaw pain, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and some chest pressure. Luckily I recognized these as heart attack symptoms and got to the hospital quickly and had a great cardiologist ready on arrival. Things have gone well since then and I’d like to be part of your study. Thanks for looking into this. It’s frustrating how little information there is on it.
Hello!
I am a 39 year old woman from Sweden. Came home from hospital 5 days ago after 11 days in hospital. Had a dissection to far down LAD to put in stents and was sent home on meds. I believe I had 4 heartattacks in hospital. The doctors here had met 2 other with SCAD in 20 years and have not told me more than to go home and expect to be well. I will do a cycle test in a month. My physical condition was on top, I had never been so trained and in good condition in my whole life. Nonsmoker and very healthy lifestyle. Three children. I would like to be part of study if possible living in Sweden.
Kind regards
Minna Ljungberg
My father had a SCAD LAD two weeks ago. He smokes a lot before and is around 160lb. The doctor did a catheterization and IVUS, but didn’t put any stent because the doctor said the vessel becomes thin after SCAD. They just let my father go home with some medication pills. Could I contact any person in Mayo to get further information? I live in Saint Paul which is nearby. Thanks a lot in advance. I really appreciate your help.
Hi my name is Siobhan . I am 42 years of age and I had a scad on Dec 17th 2011 . For me the pain was awful and after having an Angiogram the Consultant diagnosed SCAD on the Left Coronary Artery with over half of the Artery Torn . I do not smoke , good weight and I eat a decent diet . I stayed in hospital for 2 weeks and the 2nd Angiogram revealed the clot had gone and the artery had healed with no stent fitted. I have been left bewildered and no definate reason for the SCAD. I am now on Meds – Beatablockers, Aspirin,etc .
I live in Belfast , Northern Ireland and I feel alone and not sure if this will happen again and I have a young 7 yr old to look after .
I have been told I am lucky to be alive . Just feel confused .
Hi Siobhan.
My name is Julie &I had a SCAD in aug 2010 so am approaching 2years post event.I live in Co.Tipperary,Ireland. I was playing tennis and afterwards developed chest pain .It’s a very scary time initially and it’s only recently that my confidence has returned. I have three young children .my fear of them nearly losing their mother haunted me for ages. I feel lucky but did often feel that I was expected to just forget that it happened,put it in a box and move on. I can’t do this as I believe research into this condition is the key to our future.
All I can say is time makes you stronger. You are not alone with this. Gathering Information about SCAD is empowering because you can begin to ask questions.good luck!
I am a 46 year old Australian woman who suffered a scad in june 2011 I need more info on any studies done with aussie hospitals do you know of any and can the Mayo initiate a sister program for us.
Thanks
Hi my name is Erika, I suffer a massive heart attack 10 days after I delivered my baby boy, 10 months ago.I had a clot and a tear on one of my arteries. I don’t remember if the doctor gaveme a name for the disease. I have an appoitment with him next week and I am going to ask more details about my heart problem.thank God I am alive taking care of my little one and my two daughters…
hello my name is Erika I am a 38 year old.i suffered a heart attack due to a clot and a tear in one of my arteries. This happended 10 days after I delivered my baby boy he is 10 months now. I don’t remember if my cardiologist gave a name of the disease, I have an appoitment wih him next week and I will ask more details about my heart problem. Thank God I am alive taking care of my little and my two precious daughters. My life cahnged completly forever after the incident….Thanks for reading my story
I am from New Zealand and have suffered S.C.A.D, mine was a spiral, I have had two angio’s for discovery purpose only and two echo scans, and are currently on meds for this. They found initial Scad and treated with meds, released after 4 days hosp. But was found one month later at clinic to have “unstable angina” and is currently being treated by meds. Scan and angio have shown arterial Brusing, A lesion (47%) in the same place, a dual murmurs – one being high pitch systolic? I have been sent home with nitrate tablets and spray but still not stable, They are scratching their heads!!!! HELP I have been reading info etc but limited here as it is even rarer here! My husband is totally upset with them and so am I. Where do I go from here.
i am a 61 year old women i thought was in fit condition suffered a sudden cornary artery dissection on nov 29 2o11
i find this condition very frustrating as my doctor only can tell me he knows nothing about scads being from saskatchewan canada
i cannot afford the mayo clinic my health provider does not assist in any monies that i would have to spend to find out what i coud do to improve my health i do not know if i should be going for walks or excercising for when i go up and down the stairs i feel out of breathe also very tired this could be attributed to the medication i am taking which is of course just a educated quess that my cardiologist has chosen if their is someone that can tell what kind of excercise they do that would be very helpful thank you coleen gibson
I had a dissection the day after training for a deployment to Kuwait in 2010. I was involved in HUMWV Rollover training after the left side of my chest struck the console of the vehicle when it was rolling over. I was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and was in excellent medical condition. I experienced the symptoms of a myocadial infarxction and the dissection was diagnosed during a cathertization. I would like to be involved in the study.
So glad to read about your study in Woman’s Day magazine. My SCAD was in May 1986 5 weeks after a vaginal delivery of a healthy child.
This was diagnosed by angiogram and a clot removed at the time. The doctors were amazed and wrote a brief article published in the American Jounal of Cardiology April 1, 1989, page 885. The thinking at the time was that the dissection was a result of the hormone relaxin causing the artery to sag and tear. I was given an article from the British Heart Journal 1978 with references to hormones as being the basis for SCAD and aortic tears. Would love to donate blood for your study!!!!
I had a SCAD in Feburary of 2003 at 32 years old. I had lost a child due to a miscarriage one week earlier. I thought I was the only person to experience such a thing. I was never given any reason why this happen to me. I was also told to never try and concieve again. I am so glad to see the interest in this study and to know that Iam not alone.
I suffered SCAD related to pregnancy on 12/01/2010. 2 weeks after i delivered my baby i was rushed to the hospital and had a stent placed in my LAD. It was a very long recovery but just over a year later i am doing great and i would participate in a study
I am a 49 year old male who was diagnosed with SCAD on Jan 7th 2012. I am told that in my case it will heal on it’s own. It was apparently a smaller heart artery, and thankfully I suffered a “small” heart attack. That said, it certainly did come as a surprise. I am a very healthy person with no family history of heart disease. From what I’ve been reading there is not a lot of research in regards to SCAD so I’m glad this effort is in place. Not understanding what factors contribute to SCAD makes it difficult to know how to prevent occurrence.
I am thrilled to be a SCAD survivor as a 34-year old mother of 3-year old twins and a 4-year old. I suffered SCAD of my LAD on 2/5/12 on the second day of my menstrual cycle. I was hospitalized for 3 days, placed on Metropolol, Plavix and baby aspirin – the hope was that the tear would heal on it’s own. Four hours after my discharge on day 3, I once again experienced what I thought was a heart attack with chest pain, weakness and pain in both upper arms that continued to radiate to my elbows, wrists and then my hands, nausea and, this time, numbness in both feet. This time, the chest pain was so excruciating, I didn’t believe I would live past my ambulance ride and fought for which words I should ask the ENT to give to my husband and family as my last. I survived and four stents were placed in my LAD. I now take Brilinta, Metropolol and baby aspirin. Thank you for all of you who have shared your personal stories, this is all very new to me and it is encouraging to read that this is not, in fact a “fluke,” or as “rare” as I have been told it is.
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I had a RCA dissection in Jan. 2011 and had 6 stents put in. I was 48 at the time. I eat pretty healthy,I’m not over weight. I was put on Plavix 75mg,aspirin 325mg,lisinopril 5mg(wich he had me stop because it gave me a dry cough)and fish oil 3x daily. My Dr. calls it a fluke,says throw away my Nitro that was given to me when I left Umass Hospital(says it wouldnt do any good)and says I’d have a better chance at getting struck by lightening then have it happen again,yet he does’nt really know much about it(says there has’nt been many studies because its so rare)and has no answers to any of my questions.I have felt so alone so thank you for this site. I would like to participate in any way possible
I am a 50 year old male and had a type A aortic dissection 2 years ago. My heart surgeon replaced part of the upper aorta during an emergency 6 hour open heart surgery. My lower aorta is still dissected but am controling it with bp pills. I had no syptoms and the entire ordeal took place with in 30 mins from feeling indigestions pains to complete misery. I would be interested in helping with your study if this is what you are looking for.
Hi William, I will refer your request to the team involved with this. Thank you.
I’ll be calling first thing Monday, hoping you are still accepting study participants. I just had a SCAD 3/8/12, LAD, which is being treated with meds. Same as many of you, I had absolutely NO risk factors for CAD. I am 46, bike, run, and eat a mainly vegetarian diet. Cardiologist prescribed low-dose aspirin, Plavix,Norvasc, Toprol Xl, nitrostat (if needed) and Lipitor. I have normally low blood pressure but I get why the blood pressure meds are prescribed. I don’t understand the need or possible benefit of lipitor when my cholesterol levels were in the ideal range to start with and the angiogram did not show any plaque. It’s all been kind of a whirlwind shock…and I know it could have been much worse but I am hoping I can make some contribution to researching this.
My case is very much like Lisa. I live in the UK and I had a SCAD in November 2010 in the LAD artery which was treated with meds only – low dose aspirin and Beta blockers, Ramipril and Lipitor. I was 48 at the time and am a very keen rock climber, mountaineer , skier and mountain biker. I’d always had very low blood pressure and no other risk factors so it was a great shock and really knocked my confidence. However I have gradually returned to all my outdoor pursuits and am back to doing everything I did before, so for those whose episode is more recent, you do gradually recover from the shock and rebuild your confidence but it takes time. I volunteered for this study last year as there seems to be very little known about the condition plus it really helped just to read the experiences of others.
Thanks so much for your post, Jenny, it is so encouraging to hear about others successful return to doing the things we love!
Hi,
I suffered SCAD in March 06′. I was 41 at the time and 16 months out from a very difficult delivery of a healthy baby boy (only child). I was very healthy, avid exerciser, healthy eater and not overweight. I dissected my LAD which resulted in a massive heart attack and quadruple bi-pass. I was alone when it happened and luckily called 911. I will never forget the look on my little boy as he watched the EMTs loading me in the ambulance (he and my husband happened to come home as the ambulance arrived). I am definitly a Zebra and have spent MUCH time explaining my condition to doctors and nurses whom have never heard of such. I have an ejection fraction of 35-40% and take daily medications. I traveled to the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion – I knew that I had to when my thoracic surgeon explained that he had never seen the condition and had no idea what caused it! I continue to work as a Counselor in a middle school and count each day a blessing. My little boy is 8 now and the love of my life! Life is a struggle at times as I am tired alot. I would very much like to be a part of this study.
Sincerely, Carol Arnold
I had a SCAD in September last year, had an angioplasty and the cardiologist opened up the LAD artery which was blocked. I had no stents and the tear has healed well. I am on the usual heart meds, have been through cardiac rehab (which was really helpful) and am now back at work and the gym, easing into sessions with my personal trainer. There’s no history of heart disease in my family, I am pre-menopausal and suffered a major bout of stress/depression about 6 years ago (which may or may not have contributed to the SCAD). I am in the UK and would love to be able to contribute to the study in some way.
Debbie, Thanks for your note. Glad to hear that you’re doing well. I will forward your comment along to the appropriate people. Good Luck.
My 22 year old son Robert had SCAD with heart attack on July 17, 2009. Do you want only women? He had no known issues prior to this event. His cholesterol was low, he was not over weight. His excellent cardiologist, Dr. Gary Murray at Baptist Hospital, Memphis, TN was amazed that this had happened to him!
I am a 48 year old woman who had a heart attack 11/2010. The onset of the attack was following a violent episode of vomiting followed by severe chest pain. I thought it was dehidration and it subsided only to start up again three days later. While in the ER my blood tests indicated a heart attach and they performed an angiogram. It was discovered that I had disections in alof of my corinary arteries(right & left). During the procedure my RCA did a spiral discection. 7 stents were placed in the RCA. They used the largest medicated stents that were available as I did not have cholesterol built up in my arteries. The last stent(not medicated), at the top of the RCA by the aorta moved half way into my aorta after the procedure was complete. A repeat angiogram was done several days later, but no changes to stents were made. I have not been diagnosed with SCAD but with CAD. I am feeling great at this point, but am concerned about any hereditary link and how that would affect my children and do not feel like I know why this happened or if I am at risk for a repeat event. All ANA blood testing came back negative (Lupus, arthritis etc). I am on numerous heart medications. Would I be eligible for this study?
I’m a SCAD survivor in Atlanta. I had quadruplets in 1995 when I was 36. Five days later after feeling weaker every day, I had a heart attack. A week later I had a second MI. I coded twice during that two week period. I was in-patient at the maternity hospital the entire time. Finally they brought in a cardiologist from the leading cardiac hospital in Atlanta, St. Joseph’s. He diagnosed the SCAD and got me strong enough through transfusions etc. to have a four way bypass the following day. I believed the miracle was that my babies were all born healthy, but my cardiologist says the real miracle is that I survived for over two weeks with a dissected left main. I am very interested in helping with the study or in any way I can.
I am a 31 year old SCAD survivor almost one year out in MI. I am pretty sure you already have my information and my release form. Still very excited at the possibility of helping out with this study. It was such a scary experiance and I would like to do all I can to help others who may someday go through this. Thanks so much!
I’m a 56 year old male, avid runnner & cyclist. After completing a run, I suffered a SCAD of the Circumflex Artery, resulting in a Third Degree Atrioventricular Block. I experienced all the sympthoms a heart attack, except my pulse rate was still at 47 bpm. Unfortunatly,
I waited 8 hours before going to the hospital. A stent was implanted, & I was hooked up to a external pacemaker for a week.
I’m participating with Cardio Rehab, running on the treadmill, & biking again. After eight weeks, my recovery is going extreemly well. Would like to participate with your study.
I had a scad August 2007, confirmed by angiogram and left to heal by itself, which it did according to a repeat angiogram 4 months later. However, I continued to have cardiac type symptoms for months afterwards which my doctor said could not related to the scad, because it had healed. Because of lack of information, it was really frustrating to feel so unwell and not have any answers. I would really like to participate in this study, or at least find out the conclusions.
Thank you so much for doing this.
I had an MI at age 48 on May 22, 2011. This was caused by a SCAD of my circumflex artery. I am not presently taking any heart meds (only daily aspirin). I’d be interested in participating in your study.
I’m 49 and my SCAD and heart attack occurred two weeks ago (April 14, 2012). I am currently on meds (no other intervention) and waiting for cardiac rehab to be scheduled. I would be interested in participating in your study.
I had a heart attack on the 22nd March 2012, I am 38 years old mum of 4 very healthy, never smoked or taken drugs, I am British 6ft tall I weigh 13stone I have always exercised and eaten well. I had SCAD of the left artery, I have no heart disease, normal bp and normal cholesterol levels. Yet still managed to be ill I had 2 stents done on the day via angioplasty. Any advise or answers???
Hello Keely,
I have also posted my story below. Had a heart attack on April 21, 2012. I live in Canada and the rest fits with me as I am fit, tall, eat well, exercise regularly, no heart disease… My Family Physician hasn’t heard of SCAD and the cardiologist wants to test me for connective tissue disease at my follow up app’t in 2 weeks. I wonder if you are getting any clear answers about cause and/or treatment in Britain?
I was 53 and experienced SCAD on January 10, 2009, while participating in a step aerobics class. My symptoms included a burning sensation deep in my throat and a numbness in my left hand. I was in good health and had no normal risk factors…my blood pressure was great, did not have high cholesterol, not overweight and my EKG was good. However, an enzyme test showed I had a heart attack. The cardio catheterization showed SCAD and a stent was inserted to open the blockage. I have not had any reoccurrence since then and am on Plavix, Metoprolol and a daily aspirin. I would be willing to participate in your study.
I am a fit 52 year old woman, 6ft1. I had a “mild heart attack” on Saturday April 21, 2012 while biking hard. The cath/dye test showed that there had been a dissection at some point in the past. (The only event that I can recall occurred at least 15 years ago while swimming hard. At that time I spent the night in hospital under observation and was released.) There were no new blockages found. One side of the dissection was blocked and the other had created new pathways for my blood. Please give me whatever info you can. Why did my artery dissect? What can be done to prevent it happening again? I have been prescribed aspirin, plavix, a beta blocker and a “statin” (which I do not want to take as my cholesterol hasn’t been elevated at any time in my life).
My mom has this… She came back today to my house after 12 days of hospitalization, she got a heart attack, now she is “fine” and having aspirins and other things… We are from mexico, i would like to have more information and be helpfull in this medic situation.
(sorry for the bad inglish).
Im happy to be one of the luckiest guys to still have mom after a SCAD situation… Good luck to all!
I’m 54 with no known family history of heart disease. In January 2012, three months ago, I had a MI with two stents in right radial artery with dissection in the LCx. I’ve now been diagnosed with SCAD and wonder if I can take part in your study if it’s still continuing. I live in Australia. If not I’d appreciate being directed to more information about the ongoing management and likeihood of reoccurrence please. Thanks you.
I am 34 years of age with no history of heart problems and do not have any family with heart problems. On 12th March 2012, 13 days after having my 3rd son I suffered a heart attack, I had been admitted to hospital the previous evening with heartburn like pains in my jaw, ears and teeth, tightness of my chest, heavy feeling arms and feeling clamy and sweaty. An ECG confirmed I was suffering a heart attack. I had an angiogram which confirmed 2 of my coronary arteries had dissected. Initailly they said i would be treated with drugs, however following an echo, they decided to operate that day. On the operating table, just before they were about to start the operation my third artery dissected and I had to be put onto bypass immediately. The CABG lasted over 8 hours and they needed to put in 6 grafts as the arteries were so badly dissected. Following the surgery I have since suffered heart failure and have an ejection fraction of 40%. I am on betablockers, ace inhibitors, aspirin, water tablets.I am also being given B12 injections and folic acid as my levels were very low.
Towards the end of my pregnancy I suffered quite high blood pressure. I usually have low blood pressure so I am having trouble tolerating the medication as I was becoming very dizzy and my blood pressure was dropping very low.
My consultant has been fantastic, however has reminded me that my condition is very rare and due to the complications of heart failure they cannot predict the future.
I am very interested in participating in the study at your clinic as I am aware that having all 3 arteries dissect is very rare. I have undergone a number of ECG’s, an angiogram, 3 echo’s, 2 CT scans and 2 MRI scans which I am very happy for you to have access to.
Can you point me in the right direction please.
I am 36 years old and had a sharp pain in my upper abdomen just under my breast bone on the evening of 5/2/12 after a swim conditioning class. I was fine the next day; however, I woke up that next night (Thursday 5/3) in the middle of the night with heartburn. On 5/4 in the morning when I awoke, the pain in my upper abdomen returned (felt like someone punched me there). After an hour, I got up to get ready for work and became nauseous, vomited, and had tightness across my entire chest, as well as weakness in my arms. I went to the ER. They did an EKG, which was normal. They were going to send me home because the ER doctor thought it was gastrointestinal. Thankfully, they ran another blood test and saw that the troponin (cardiac enzyme) levels were elevated. With each subsequent blood test, these levels continued to go up. On Monday, 5/7, they did a catheterization and I was diagnosed with SCAD of the obtuse marginal coronary artery. Per the doctor, it was “a mess in there.” They gave me high dose heparin and anticoagulant by IV to help the vessel clean up/heal with an intent to go back in on Wednesday and do a stent. The problem is that this resulted in a bleed in my cavity and I ended up in ICU on 5/8. On Friday, 5/11, they did a catheterization through my radial artery, and the artery looked “healed.” There appeared to still be a small tear, but they did not want to disturb the healing process so no stent was put in.
That same day, a nurse practitioner told me I would be on medications because I have coronary artery disease. This is despite having been told that I do not have any plaque build up; no high blood pressure; cholesterol is fine; no diabetes, etc. My doctor clarified that I was on the meds to provide ideal conditions for healing. I came home from the hospital Saturday, 5/12. I am to start cardiac rehab in a few weeks.
My doctor tells me that this was a fluke. When pressed, he said I have less than a 10% chance of something like this reoccurring, or the condition worsening, but I am not sure that this estimate is based on any hard data. I would like to provide information about my condition to the study. I was encouraged to hear stories of women who have survived years without further incident. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about this condition.