A Serious Heart Condition Known as SCAD: What You Need to Know
When we think of heart attacks, we often associate them with blocked arteries due to cholesterol buildup. However, there’s a lesser-known but serious heart condition that can also lead to a heart attack, especially in younger individuals—Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD).
As a practicing cardiologist at Anand Hospital, Garh Road, Meerut, I, Dr. Vineet Bansal, believe it is important to raise awareness about SCAD. While it may not be as common as traditional coronary artery disease, SCAD is a life-threatening condition that requires timely diagnosis and appropriate management.
What is SCAD?
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a condition where a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart muscle. This tear causes blood to flow between the layers of the artery wall, creating a blockage that can reduce or completely cut off blood flow to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.
Unlike heart attacks caused by plaque buildup and atherosclerosis, SCAD typically occurs without prior warning and often affects individuals who do not have traditional risk factors like high cholesterol or diabetes.
Who is at Risk?
SCAD is most commonly seen in:
- Women, especially those aged 30 to 50
- Women during or shortly after pregnancy
- Individuals with hormonal fluctuations
- People with connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan syndrome
- Patients experiencing extreme emotional or physical stress
While SCAD is rare, its unpredictable nature and the fact that it often affects young, otherwise healthy individuals makes it particularly concerning.
Symptoms of SCAD
The symptoms of SCAD are very similar to those of a traditional heart attack and may include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or sweating
- Pain in the arms, shoulders, or jaw
Because these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience them.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing SCAD typically involves:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart’s electrical activity
- Blood tests for markers of heart damage
- Coronary angiography, which provides images of the heart's blood vessels
- Intravascular imaging like OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) or IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound) for a clearer view of the arterial wall
Treatment for SCAD is often different from traditional heart attacks. In many cases, the best approach is conservative management, allowing the artery to heal on its own without stenting or surgery. Medications such as beta-blockers, aspirin, and blood pressure drugs are commonly used. However, in severe cases with ongoing chest pain or decreased blood flow, angioplasty or bypass surgery may be required.
Living with SCAD
After a SCAD event, recovery can be both physical and emotional. Many patients experience anxiety about recurrence, as SCAD can happen again in a small percentage of cases. Cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing follow-ups with a cardiologist are essential for long-term heart health.
Dr. Vineet Bansal’s Advice
As a cardiologist with years of experience in treating complex heart conditions, I emphasize the importance of early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized care. At Anand Hospital, Meerut, we use advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to manage heart conditions like SCAD effectively.
If you’re experiencing unusual chest pain or have a family history of unexplained heart attacks at a young age, don’t ignore the signs. Even young and healthy individuals are not immune to heart issues.
Your Heart Deserves Expert Care
Understanding conditions like SCAD is the first step toward prevention and proper management. If you or a loved one needs expert cardiac evaluation, I invite you to schedule a consultation.