Depending on the severity of your SCAD, you should be able to return to exercise starting with cardiac rehabilitation. Even if you are back to a similar pre-SCAD exercise routine, we do not recommend going running alone or exercising in isolated areas.

However, the people who had their SCAD episode whilst exercising rigorously should return to exercise very slowly and avoid workouts, such as weightlifting (isometric exercise), yoga positions like ‘downward dog’ and planking which is known to increase blood pressure. Please see your cardiologist for personalised advice. Of course everyone is different, always listen to your GP and Cardiologist’s advice and if you feel breathless or experience any heart attack symptoms then always stop exercising and seek urgent medical advice.

For cardiac rehab guidelines following a SCAD heart attack read here. To find your local provider go to ACRA here or to see if you’re eligible for Cardihab digital cardiac rehab click here.