Feeling heart attack symptoms? If you experience shortness of breath or sustained pain for longer than 5 minutes, call triple zero (000) in Australia, 911 in the US or your local emergency department and inform them that you have previously had a SCAD heart attack.

SCAD is the leading cause of heart attacks in pregnant women, new mums and women under 50 but can occur in women and men of all ages. Because SCAD often impacts healthy, fit adults with no risk factors for heart disease, it is essential that you seek urgent medical advice. Don’t delay seeking treatment or drive yourself to emergency or the doctor. Call emergency services and seek professional medical help.

According to global and local SCAD studies, while SCAD can recur, the survival rate of subsequent heart attacks is high as survivors are aware of the symptoms – even if they’re different to previous heart attacks – and seek urgent treatment.