15 months ago Sarah suffered a series of heart attacks which has been diagnosed as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) this is an under-diagnosed heart condition that can’t currently be predicted or prevented. It affects people with few or none of the normal risk factors for heart disease. Sarah has never smoked, taken drugs and doesn't drink and took regular exercise so did not fall into the heart attack spectrum
SCAD can be fatal, cause heart failure, cardiac arrest, require heart bypass surgery, stents or medical management.
SCAD occurs when a tear or a bruise develops in one of the coronary arteries resulting in a blockage that prevents normal blood flow. This can result in a heart attack.
SCAD affects mainly women. SCADs can occur during or soon after pregnancy. Menopause, extreme stress and exercise and connective tissue disorders have also been associated with SCAD but as yet we don’t know exactly what causes SCAD.
Sarah was incredible lucky to be correctly diagnosed at Truro Treliske Coronary unit by a cardiologist who had recently attended a seminar on SCAD this element of luck needs to be reduced.
Our aim as a family is to help raise awareness and hopefully provide funds for the Scad Research programme