RESEARCH. EDUCATION. PATIENT SUPPORT.
What is SCAD
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon emergency heart condition that occurs when a tear forms in one of the blood vessels in the heart. SCAD can slow or block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack, abnormalities in heart rhythm or sudden death. SCADs typically occur in people with no standard risk factors for heart attack & while there are some associated conditions (such as FMD), the underlying cause of SCAD is unknown in many patients.
SCAD is a heart condition which requires urgent treatment
SCAD is more common in women than men
70% of SCAD cases occur in people under age 50 years
SCAD typically occurs in people with no standard risk factors for heart attack
Survivor Support
It’s common for SCAD survivors to feel alone and overwhelmed by their diagnosis, especially because there are so many unknowns. To help better understand this uncommon, often traumatic condition, we have the latest information and advice on treatment, cardiac rehab, common FAQs and links for support here. Scroll down to the bottom of our About SCAD page for printable patient leaflets and research findings and tips for adjusting to your ‘new normal’.
Resources for Medical Professionals
Find out more about Spontaneous Coronary Dissection, how it presents, optimal diagnosis and treatment here. While SCAD patients may experience the same symptoms as for other types of MI, the acute and long term management advice for SCAD differs.
About Us
Established in 2016 by SCAD Heart Attack survivors, SCAD Research Inc. is a non-government funded charity dedicated to changing the outcome for SCAD Heart Attack sufferers across Australia. Founded and run by heart attack survivors, we are on a mission to improve the diagnosis, treatment and survival rates for every Mum, sister, Dad, brother or friend who suffers a heart attack – to save their life and minimise the chances of recurrence.
OUR STORIES
Read stories from SCAD heart attack survivors. Healthy, fit women and men who don’t fit the profile of ‘typical’ heart attack patients.
DONATE
We’re proud to provide financial support to ground-breaking Australian medical research into SCAD Heart Attacks. The brilliant scientists and medical professionals at Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute are part of a collaborative global network of SCAD researchers including the Mayo Clinic US, Vancouver SCAD program, together with SCAD specific studies in the UK and Europe. Together they are dedicated to finding the optimal diagnosis, treatment and ultimately prevention of SCAD Heart Attacks… but they can’t do it alone. You can make a real difference by making a tax deductible donation today.
$20.00
- $20 can help fund DNA tests & survivor medical questionnaires to better understand SCAD Heart Attacks
$50.00
- $50 can go towards funding SCAD Medical Researchers at the Mayo Clinic and Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
$100.00
- $100 can help fund life saving research into the optimal diagnosis, treatment and prevention of SCAD Heart Attacks
Get involved
SCAD Research Inc is run entirely by volunteers from right across Australia. If you’d like to get involved we’d love to hear from you!