I had no risk factors, yet in January 2024 I had a heart attack. Not just any heart attack, mine was caused by a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, known as SCAD.
SCAD can happen in men and people of nearly any age. But it does happen most in women in their 40s and 50s. Pregnancy-related SCAD is a small percentage of all SCAD cases. It's also the most common cause of heart attacks during pregnancy.
SCAD can cause a life-threatening heart attack. Still, SCAD patients don't typically have other heart disease risk factors. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack is crucial for SCAD patients. Warning signs may include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Profuse sweating
- Dizziness