Heart Attack, diagnosed with SCAD: Would love advice, stories, etc.

Hello @hygienistmom91, Welcome to Mayo Connect.
Wow...what a crazy thing you just went through! I found this link to some information you might like to read:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353716
I also found this older discussion here on Connect that may be interesting to read: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spontaneous-coronary-artery-dissection-scad

How are you feeling now? When do you see your doctor again?

I had a follow up appt with my cardiologist on Jan 4th . I will see him again April 4th for an echocardiogram to see if area that was torn has started to heal . I am now off Plavix , he kept me on it for a month . I have noticed I am not as fatigued since being off for a couple of weeks .

First of all, how are you feeling? Sounds like a completely unexpected event.

The most important thing is to take medications and follow a diet. I saw the article that cardiac rehabilitation may be in your future. I did a 12 week program and it was helpful. Most importantly, they will monitor you while you exercise to make sure you are ok. They eventually clear you for further exercise.

My best advice is to follow the recommendations. Also, feel free to talk about your experience. Even online or with your physician. Specifically, how are you feeling. It's important that you take a holistic approach to this.

I feel I have more stamina each week , not as fatigued at night after a day of work . I have not done a cardiac rehab program . I do walk and ride stationary bike etc for exercise . I have been very strict about my diet !

If your cardiologist does not think you need any monitoring during exercise that sounds like a good sign.

I guess when I asked how do you feel, I also mean emotionally. I'm not trying to not put a bug in your ear but be sure to address the question in this area. I just wanted to make sure you feel comfortable talking about this if you need to. Use your support system (family/friends). Even come here and write about it. It's important for your recovery.

By the way, I love the hygienistmom91 ID. How creative! I'm guessing you are a hygienist.

Hello everyone, I’m new to this as I just had SCAD end of 2024. Since this is so fresh and new any advice would be helpful. I’m scared that I will have another episode and might not be so lucky. I was only in the hospital for 2 days. I went back to work Tuesday and had another similar experience but very mild. I did go to the hospital again and I feel fine now as the symptoms resolved and didn’t worsen. All test results come back normal and so are all my vitals. How is that possible? All normal results? Again any advice or info would be great. I also heard of Dr. Sharonne N. Hayes leading cardiologist and researcher in SCAD. I would love to get in touch with her as well. Wishing all who have SCAD peace of mind and continuation of life as they and their families go through this diagnosis and life change.

I had 4 heart attacks before SCAD was diagnosed. It is a somewhat depressing condition as you can "pop off" any time with no warning. There seems to be a possible link with blood pressure and migraine. One good thing though, it makes you more concious of living in the moment and appreciating your life and loved ones.

I had a SCAD heart attack in Oct 2024. It was a total shock. I am very active and eat well. My LAD was 99% blocked. Fortunately I didn’t have to get a stent. They also diagnosed FMD and a brain aneurysm. I got a mesh device inserted into the aneurysm last month. I am doing cardiac rehab which is very helpful. I am sorry that you have had to go through this. ❤️

Hi.
Had my scad attack in august last year and a same development as you. Just learned about the aneurysms a couple of weeks ago. Except from the one behind my right eye I also have one in my kidney and one in my spleen. I also have symptoms of FMD but that is still not confirmed. I also have a severe chronic migraine which complicates the scad healing. Had to stop working and have just sold my company. Life may throw you some curve balls now and then. It’s all about how we catch them. For me yoga and meditation has become increasingly important and together with daily walks it helps me stay calm. The aneurysms is concerning me. I’m seeing the neurologist next month
Hopefully I will not need surgery. Hoping for a speedy recovery for you. Take care. ❤️

I’m sorry you have had to experience all these events. My 1st SCAD was 04/15 and I had my 2nd on 02/25. Saw my Cardiologist yesterday for follow-up. My initial dissection ten years ago was on one side and this latest episode on the other. Dr. said the one from years ago had healed “beautifully.” Mayo Clinic works with my Hospital (Ascension St. Vincent’s) and he referenced the expert work of Dr. Sharonne Hayes. I’ve been reading some of her published works and, at this time, I am wondering about genetic predispositions playing a role in mine.

I am NOT a doctor or any type of medical professional. After my initial SCAD, I was advised to reduce the stress in my life. As much as I tried, I couldn’t alleviate it from my high-stress, executive role … so I took early retirement. Daily prayer and being a stay-at-home dog “Mom” have been a saving grace. My engineering mind will continue to research any information I can find to understand this condition. I am grateful for this discussion forum.

Please be kind to yourself and enjoy each day with which you are blessed. ♥️🌻🎼