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Sudden Heart Condition Strikes Without Warning
12 Jan
Summary
- SCAD causes artery layers to separate, leading to blood clots.
- Condition often affects women aged 45-53, but can strike anyone.
- SCAD cannot currently be predicted or prevented by medical experts.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a perplexing medical condition where layers of a coronary artery separate, potentially leading to heart attacks. Blood seeps between these layers, forming clots that can obstruct blood flow to the heart. Medical experts are baffled by SCAD, as it often occurs suddenly in individuals without typical heart disease risk factors.
While SCAD predominantly affects women between the ages of 45 and 53, it can impact anyone. The British Heart Foundation emphasizes that the condition cannot be predicted or prevented, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any symptoms. These warning signs can resemble those of angina or a heart attack, and prompt diagnosis is key.
Approximately 80% of SCAD cases involve women, frequently developing during or after pregnancy. Diagnosis typically happens after another medical event, such as a heart attack, due to its unpredictable nature. Treatment options range from medication and stents to, in rare cases, bypass surgery. Many patients experience isolation due to the condition's rarity, underscoring the importance of seeking support.
