In the late 1990s, Jane Maguire, a self-described gym enthusiast, was struck by “overwhelming” chest pain. Despite her active lifestyle and absence of traditional risk factors like smoking or poor diet, Jane initially dismissed the possibility of a heart-related issue. Instead of seeking immediate medical assistance, she called a friend from the floor where she lay in pain.
To the astonishment of doctors at two hospitals, Jane was diagnosed with a heart attack. However, her condition was not straightforward; she had experienced a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare and often misdiagnosed tear in the heart artery wall.
SCAD, accounting for 2-4% of acute coronary syndromes, disproportionately affects young women under 50 and is notably the leading cause of heart attacks during pregnancy. Symptoms vary from mild chest pain to severe heart attack symptoms like breathlessness and chest tightness. Despite its sudden onset, Jane retrospectively recognized pre-existing signs of her condition, a common scenario among women who tend to downplay symptoms.
While SCAD can also affect men, they constitute a minority of cases. For women, risk factors beyond pregnancy include stress, fibromuscular dysplasia, and other connective tissue disorders, though many cases remain unexplained.
Diagnosis challenges persist due to SCAD’s resemblance to other conditions and the potential harm from standard diagnostic procedures like cardiac catheterization and stent insertion. Ironically, these procedures can exacerbate SCAD rather than alleviate it.
Psychological support for SCAD survivors remains inadequate despite advancements in cardiac rehabilitation. Survivors often face emotional distress, with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to general cardiac patients. Jane’s personal journey underscores the loneliness and isolation that can accompany SCAD recovery, compounded by the lack of tailored rehabilitation programs and psychological services.
For Jane and others, the journey post-SCAD involves not just physical but also emotional and financial challenges. The unpredictable nature of SCAD recurrence adds to survivors’ anxiety, necessitating specialized support and resources.
Efforts are underway to improve support networks, including cardiac counseling and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to address survivors’ fears and uncertainties. Organizations like SCAD Research and SCAD Alliance provide vital resources and community for survivors worldwide, offering solidarity and hope.
As awareness grows, Jane advocates for better systemic navigation and support for SCAD survivors and their families. Her story highlights the resilience and ongoing struggles of those affected by this little-understood cardiac condition.
By rewriting the article, I aimed to maintain the original narrative while adhering to professional journalistic standards, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and the human impact of the story.
