FAQs for SCAD patients

The same as for any heart attack, although they may differ between men and women. Women are more likely to experience pain in their jaw, neck or back, nausea and feeling light headed or unusually tired. If you’re not sure whether you could be having a heart attack, please seek urgent medical advice and make sure you tell the doctor, nurses or paramedics about your previous SCAD Heart Attack.

Image Source: The Heart Foundation 

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.

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.

While the statistics do vary, according to major studies, there is an approximate 30% chance of reoccurrence over a 10 year time frame.

Chest pain in the months following a SCAD heart attack is not uncommon which can increase anxiety levels, and SCAD patients can also suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. You can find out more about the SCAD patient experience here. It can also be helpful to read other people’s experiences which have been generously shared here.

The good news is that the survival rate for subsequent heart attacks caused by Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection is extremely high as survivors are aware of the symptoms, calling triple zero (000) in Australia or their local emergency services in other countries and seeking early medical advice.

If your GP or medical provider hasn’t heard of SCAD or is unsure of treatment, we’ve developed a printable information page which you can download here and take to your next appointment. It is also useful for allied health appointments and to have on hand for medical emergencies.

Remember to always take heart attack symptoms seriously regardless of your age, weight or fitness level and remember that heart attack symptoms vary between men and women. You can also join an online support group on Facebook such as the international SCAD Survivor group here or the local Australian survivor support page here. Please note these are not managed by SCAD Research Inc Australia.

When it comes to returning to sexual activity, as each case of SCAD is different, each person’s ability to return to their normal routine will vary. By undertaking cardiac rehabilitation and talking to your clinician, you should be guided to when an appropriate time will be to return to sexual activity. 

Unfortunately, there is no good information about this issue, but the good news is that most SCAD tears heal within 35 days. This will depend on the size and complexity of the tear. Always rely on medical advice.

One of the big questions is whether it’s safe to have a baby after suffering a SCAD Heart Attack. If you have had an episode of SCAD, it is recommended that you avoid pregnancy altogether and use a non-hormonal form of birth control, such as an intrauterine device. Some heart medications can harm an unborn child and some SCAD complications can significantly increase a mother’s risk of carrying a baby to term.

There are some women who have gone on to have a baby after their SCAD heart attack with a recommended ceasarean to reduce physical straining but as only 6 or 7 women have had a post-SCAD pregnancy that we know about, it’s largely unknown. The decision to become pregnant is a serious one and should be made in concert with your cardiologist to assess your cardiac risks, maternal-fetal health specialists to assess a baby’s risk and with a recognition that there is an increased risk for recurrent SCAD with a pregnancy.

Until recently, little was known about what causes SCAD, but new research published in Nature Genetics  has revealed there are at least 16 different genes associated with the disease, with one gene called PHACTR1 thought to be a key driver.

If you’ve had a SCAD heart attack or have a family member who has, email scad@victorchang.edu.au to find out more about this research program and see how you can get involved. To read the most recent SCAD studies click here and scroll to the Resources section on the bottom of the page, and make sure you follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.