Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): A Condition That Causes Heart Attacks Mostly In Healthy Women Women's Health Heart Health

On September 13, 2019, I had a heart attack while at home alone. I am 43 years old. I have no high blood pressure or cholesterol issues. I am not overweight. I am healthy and active. But I had a heart attack.  

I called 911 and was taken to the hospital where an electrocardiogram (EKG) was performed and troponin levels were checked. I was quickly being prepared to be airlifted to Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. When I arrived I was given an angiogram and immediately SCAD was diagnosed. I spent five days in the hospital and my SCAD is being medically managed. 

SCAD stands for spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and is a tear that takes place randomly in the coronary artery. SCAD most often strikes young healthy active moms. There seems to be a connection to pregnancy hormones and it is thought to be hereditary. My twin sister, Leslie Welky, had SCAD last February.

There is no warning. It happens suddenly. The only thing we can do is know the signs of SCAD, get help if we have them and mention SCAD as a possible cause for the heart attack when you are at the hospital. 

Signs and symptoms of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are the same as symptoms of other types of heart attacks and may include:

• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat or fluttery feeling in your chest
• pain in your arms, shoulders or jaw
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• unusual, extreme tiredness
• nausea
• dizziness

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