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Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): Any new info?
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Apr 26, 2022 | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
I was just diagnosed, by angiogram, with spontaneous coranary artery dissection. I was told that it was uncommon and little was known about them. I will be having my first visit with a cardioligist on Jan. 26. What kind of questions should I ask?
Replies to "I was just diagnosed, by angiogram, with spontaneous coranary artery dissection. I was told that it..."
Thank you so much for giving me such good questions to ask. My brother and Sister in law live in Minnesota. A small place called Albert Lee. Anyway. I was placed on aspirin therapy at the hospital. This heart thing came right out of the blue. I'm 64 years old, and although I have a myraid of health problems in my back, legs, and liver, but I was still able to do a rigerous workout at a local pool. (2 hours everyday) and felt quite healthy at the time. Now I'm worn out after a shower. I live in Utah and there hasn't been a doctor I've found, out here, that seems to know much about SCAD.
I was diagnosed with scad at 61 years. Is there anyone diagnosed with this condition near this age. Most patients seem to be younger.
HI @coughlan and welcome to Connect. That must be awful being diagnosed with this condition. You may have noticed I moved your post to this existing discussion on SCAD so that you can connect with others with this condition. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in order to get to your post.
I wanted to tag fellow Connect member @geniehl who is 64, and may be able to offer you support.
How long ago were you diagnosed? How are you feeling?
Hi @coughlan,
I wanted to follow up and share this other discussion, where @lily1234 @elizabethmackenzie @suzzles have written about their experience with SCAD.
– https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/heart-attack-at-37/
If you scroll through previous comments, you will find some great resources – @kariulrich comments about the link between SCAD and FMD (fibromuscular dysplasia), which might interest you.
While we wait for others to chime in, please tell us a bit more about yourself. Have you considered going to a specialist who is experienced in SCAD?
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I would suggest asking if they plan to monitor the dissection and let it heal on its own, or a possibility or a stent. Also would ask how many SCAD patients does your cardiologist see a year? Also should you be on aspirin therapy or another anticoagulant. What can you expect for monitoring and prevention. Is there any other underlying vascular disease that may be the cause of scad such as FMD (Fibromuscular Dysplasia). One other thing you may want to discuss is doing cardiac rehab. I would recommend every scad patient go through cardiac rehab for both peace of mind and understanding what symptoms you have under supervision... does that make sense to you? I hope I did not overwhelm you with thoughts and questions! Please keep us posted how your appointment goes, and know we are all here leading up to the appointment. I know it can be overwhelming leading up the appointment, so please feel free to vent, cry or laugh... I know the emotions of this diagnosis can be all over the place. May I ask what state you live in? I am in Minnesota and have Mayo Clinic Rochester an hour away, so I am very fortunate.