Not long ago, I was a mostly healthy thirty-something who never gave a single thought to having a heart attack.

I ate well — salads and salmon were everyday meals. I worked out regularly. I trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I didn’t smoke. I felt strong. Heart attacks were something that happened to other people.

Then one day, out of nowhere — boom.
I had a heart attack caused by SCAD.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) happens when a tear forms in a coronary artery, reducing blood flow to the heart. It’s not caused by plaque buildup and often affects people who are younger and otherwise healthy. Because it doesn’t fit the typical heart attack narrative, SCAD is frequently misunderstood, overlooked, or misdiagnosed.

The symptoms can look like a classic heart attack — chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain in the arm, jaw, or back, dizziness, nausea, or extreme fatigue. The problem is that many people experiencing SCAD don’t believe it could be their heart — until it is.

I’m participating in the American Heart Association Heart Mini 5K to raise awareness, support research, and help others recognize that heart attacks don’t have a single look. This walk/run is personal — it’s about gratitude, recovery, and making sure more people know the signs and trust their instincts.

If my story makes even one person pause and seek care sooner, it’s worth it.

Learn more about SCAD:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353711

Thank you for supporting me, my team, and the work of the American Heart Association.

SCAD Happens. Built Different.