October 23 2024 – 5:30am
Lynne Daniels used to be a “bit of a gym” junkie, so a heart attack was the last thing she expected at 49 years old.
But it wasn’t an ordinary heart attack – Ms Daniels experienced a rare condition known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection or SCAD.
The condition occurs when an inner layer of one of the blood vessels in the heart tears.
Heart attack survivor Lyn Daniels is raising awareness for spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Pictures by Craig George
Blood seeps between the artery layers and forms a blockage, and can slow or block blood flow to the heart, causing numerous heart problems or sudden death.
Ms Daniels said it was a “life-changing” condition and, for the past eight years, has rallied to support others experiencing SCAD through a five-kilometre walk or run fundraising event called SCADaddle.
According to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, women in their 40s and 50s are most at risk of SCAD, although it can occur at any age and also in men.
Researchers are pushing for greater awareness and new personalised screening and treatments for cardiovascular disease which remains the leading cause of death in Australia.
“I used to be really fit and was going to the gym four to five times a week,” Ms Daniels said.
“In 2016, I thought I was having a bit of trouble getting over a virus. I was getting a bit dizzy and nauseous when I was lifting weights.
“On a very normal Saturday, I went to soccer in the morning with my kids, came home to put the shopping away and felt really odd – then I hit the floor.”
She said the condition caused 35 per cent of heart attacks in women under 50.
Lyn Daniels was 49 years old when she suffered a heart attack due to SCAD.
Now in its eighth year, SCADaddle has raised $235,000 for SCAD research across the country.
“When this happened to me, there was no research in Australia and now the Victor Chang Institute have found some genes involved in the condition,” Ms Daniels said.
“We hope to get research to the point where they know the why and then look at actual treatment and prevention.”
The SCADaddle walk starts at 10am on Sunday, October 27, at Inveresk Precinct, Launceston, behind the UTAS stadium.
Ms Daniels said registrations can be made online through the SCADaddle website, or in person on the day.