SCAD Heart Disease: The Hidden Heart Threat You Should Know About
When we think about heart disease, we often picture blocked arteries caused by years of plaque buildup, a condition primarily linked to lifestyle and age. But there’s a lesser-known, often misunderstood heart condition that doesn’t follow those rules: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). SCAD strikes suddenly, often in healthy individuals, and it doesn’t always come with warning signs. It predominantly affects women, particularly those under 50, and can occur even in people without any prior heart issues. For many, the first sign is a heart attack. That’s why understanding SCAD is not just important, it could be lifesaving.
What Is SCAD?
SCAD is a serious condition where a tear forms in one of the blood vessels in the heart (the coronary artery). This tear creates a flap or causes bleeding within the artery wall, which can obstruct blood flow to the heart muscle. The result is usually a heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, or even sudden death. Unlike the more common coronary artery disease, SCAD is not caused by cholesterol buildup or lifestyle factors. Instead, it spontaneously happens without any warning and often in individuals who appear otherwise healthy.
Who’s at Risk?
While SCAD can affect anyone, research shows it occurs more often in:
Women, especially between the ages of 30 and 50, due to estrogen and other sex hormones potentially affecting the integrity of blood vessel walls.
Pregnant or postpartum women (hormonal changes and increased blood volume may contribute).
Individuals with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a condition that affects arterial structure.
People under extreme emotional or physical stress
Those with connective tissue disorders (Marfan or Ehler-Danlos syndrome).
Sometimes no risk factors are present at all, making awareness even more vital.
How to Spot SCAD: Signs and Symptoms
SCAD mimics a traditional heart attack. If you or someone near you is experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
Chest pain or pressure (may radiate to the arm, neck, back, or jaw)
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Nausea or lightheadedness
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Fatigue or dizziness, especially after emotional or physical stress
It’s important to trust your instincts. Many women, in particular, delay going to the ER because they think they’re too young or healthy to be having a heart attack. If something feels wrong, don’t wait.
How is SCAD Diagnosed?
SCAD if often diagnosed during or after a heart attack, using tools like:
Coronary angiography: an imaging test that shows blood flow in the arteries.
CT or MRI scans: to rule out other vascular issues
Intravascular ultrasounds (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT): specialized tools that help see inside the artery wall
Unfortunately, SCAD can be missed if doctors aren’t looking for it specifically, which is why awareness among patients and physicians is crucial.
Can You Prevent SCAD?
Since SCAD often occurs without clear warning, it can’t always be prevented. But here are steps you can take to reduce risk and protect your heart.
Know your body and listen to it. Don’t ignore unusual fatigue, chest pressure, or shortness of breath.
Manage stress. Emotional trauma or intense stress is a common trigger.
Avoid extreme exercise or sudden exertion, particularly if you’ve had SCAD before.
Regular checkups if you have underlying conditions like FMD or a family history of vascular disorders.
Educate others, especially women, about this condition. Awareness saves lives.
SCAD is frightening because it disrupts everything we think we know about heart health. It reminds us that heart disease doesn’t always come with warning signs or follow rules. It strikes the unsuspected, young mothers, fit women, people with no traditional risk factors, and leaves behind confusion, fear, and often trauma. But SCAD also teaches us something vital, the importance of listening to our bodies, no matter our age or fitness level. It calls on all of us to become better informed, to question assumptions, and to ensure no one is dismissed simply because they “don’t look sick.” For survivors, the journey doesn’t end at recovery. It’s a path of learning, advocating, and sometimes grieving the life they had before. But it is also a journey of strength, connection, and hope. By raising awareness and encouraging research, we can change the outcomes. Not just for those who like through SCAD, but for those who haven’t yet faced it. In a world where every heartbeat counts, let’s work together to make sure each one is protected, valued, and heard.
This article is written in memory of the late Mrs. Heather Hebda Stark, who suddenly passed away due to SCAD in October 2022. She was a truly amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and the talented owner and director of South Hills Dance Academy. She is missed by many and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Click here to learn more about SCAD, support ongoing research, or make a life-changing donation.
