In 2018, at the age of 40, I had a heart attack, went into cardiac arrest in the cath lab, received CPR for 10 minutes, 7 shocks to my heart, and 4 stents were placed. I had to be put on a balloon pump and was on life support for 24 hours.
I would later learn this was caused by SCAD in 3 of my coronary arteries--Circumflex, LAD (the widow maker), and left main.
SCAD is...
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. Although little is known as to why, SCAD is caused by a sudden tear in the lining of one or more coronary arteries which can lead to a blockage and heart attack. SCAD is the #1 cause of a heart attack in women under age 50 as well as the #1 cause of a heart attack in women who are pregnant and new mothers.
The AHA has been a great support through my heart journey. This organization is vital to bringing awareness to heart disease and stroke, raising funds for life-saving research, and creating a community for survivors to connect.
I walk to bring awareness to SCAD, in honor of my family and friends who are battling or have battled heart disease personally, those who have been affected by heart disease, and in memory of those we have lost.
If you choose to make a donation, it will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives.
Blessings to all!! ❤