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

I had my first SCAD heart attack 11/2017 at age 51 and my second one 7/2025. The second time, I was also diagnosed with FMD. I feel fortunate that no FMD symptoms were found on my brain. The doctors know more about a SCAD heart attack now than they did 7 years ago. I was under the care of a cardiologist who treated me like all other heart attack patients because so little was known. I now have a cardiologist who has done some research on SCAD and FMD. She has me on a low sodium diet even though my BP is OK. FMD usually is discovered by having high BP that doesn’t improve much with medication. They found mine because FMD and SCAD have been linked. She also has put lifting restrictions on me due to the pressure lifting puts on arteries.

I must say I have not felt any fear during either of these episodes. I just feel grateful for the gift of life. I do have faith in God which has helped me to remain calm and hopeful.

I had my first SCAD at 32 (2014) and went from 0% to 100% blockage in my LAD immediately. My next SCAD was at 37 (2018) in my PDA. Both were at times of extreme chronic stress, mostly at work, and Dr. Hayes did find some very mild FMD. I started a different job and simplified my life and I think it might be working. I've always enjoyed running, eat healthy, never smoked or used drugs. After the first SCAD I certainly felt like it wasn't fair that I do all the right things and had a heart attack when there are so many people with unhealthy habits that seem okay. I got over it. I also believe that my healthy habits probably contributed to surviving both STEMIs with flying colors. Of course my mother is always worried about me. I tell her I'm not going to live my life in fear of another heart attack. I'm going to keep doing the things I enjoy. If I check out early from another SCAD, at least I did it enjoying life.

I am in the same boat. I had my 1st SCAD an Vasal Spasm Heart attack at 39. I am now 58 and have had a total of 5. Also non-smoker, non-drinker but a stress junkie. I would not change anything except maybe taking more time to appreciate each day we are given. I also have FMD, hereditary high Chlorestoral and Vasal Spasms.
One thing that helps is that you recognize the symptoms immediately and react accordingly, which means getting appropriate care sooner so hopefully less damage. No one is promised another day so we need to make the most of each one!

Similar experience to yours! I was 55 when I experienced back pain and chest pain while watching tv and then basically had all heart attack symptoms. Spouse drove me to hospital and immediately admitted and diagnosed with SCAD after a heart cath. Released after two days in hospital and had a heart attack a day after at home. Admitted to ICU for 8 days where I also had a TIA (mini stroke). It’s been 9 months since then and all seems fine with a boatload of meds. It was very scary and unexpected because I had no heart problems or blood pressure problems prior to this. I do have hereditary high cholesterol that I’ve been taking meds for about 30 years.

@janeaust Hi! I just found this site so my reply is late - hope you see it. I also had a SCAD, in February 2025. AND I was diagnosed with FMD also! What a wierd coincidence! I haven't had any issues with my FMD so far that I know of. I did have another echocardiogram last week to see how my heart was doing, and it showed EXTREME tricuspid regurgitation, whereas before, after the SCAD, it was mild to moderate. Now I'm really worried. Have you had any of this problem? I have an appt. with my SCAD specialist doctor this Friday so will know more then.
Thanks and hope you're doing great!

@mimirhonda

Meet @melanie14 that knows more about SCAD and FMD.

You may also be interested to check out a number of discussions. I searched the Connect home page for tricuspid regurgitation.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/
I hope you come back and provide an update following Friday’all SCAD specialist appointment.

How are you feeling?

@jlharsh
Hi Jane,
Where is your FMD located? Mine is arterial and iliac, and I don't have any valve concerns so far. The progression of your tricuspid sounds frightening.
As far as living with FMD, I find that those regions are the first to alert me to slow down physically/be less emotional. The key is to listen to your body, and adjust. For example, I have learned to not watch the news or headlines very much, stay clear of corporate politics ( I resigned from my managerial position).
They say that it's in how a person manages their stress. Maybe it's my personality, but I find it difficult to get away from the compounding stresses of the world. Fortunately, I can stay home.