On June 7, 2024 my life forever changed.
I was at work, the day after I turned 44, and I experienced chest pressure, sweatiness, shooting pain down my left arm and chest pain.
A smart coworker called a rapid response and I was whisked off to the emergency department.
Fast forward through a night in the ICU, a handful of tests, a trip to the Cath lab, six terrifying days and I had a diagnosis... I had experienced a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
A SCAD is when the wall of an artery in your heart tears and blocks blood flow, either partially or completely, to the rest of your heart. This then causes a heart attack.
SCAD is the number one cause of heart attack in women under 50, and the number one cause of heart attack in pregnant and postpartum women.
The exact causes of SCAD are not known. Some women have underlying medical conditions. Some women, like myself, have no underlying medical conditions and are avid gym goers who function well under stress.
Or so we think.
June 7th forever changed my life.
Now not a day goes by that I don't think about my heart. And like you, I have probably heard of the American heart Association, but never gave it much thought.
Since I had a SCAD, I am now connected to the American Heart Association in ways I never thought I would be.
In the days after I was diagnosed, I scoured the Internet, looking for research, a better understanding of what happened to me and ways to prevent it from happening again.
The AHA provided resources, support, and information that I needed.
I walk to raise money for SCAD research. I walk to raise awareness of this too common but often under diagnosed condition. I walk to help myself remember that I can still walk. Because there are others who cannot.
I greatly appreciate your support, prayers and donations.