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Sister's Death Fuels Fight Against Rare Heart Condition
1 Nov
Summary
- SCAD is a rare heart condition that affects healthy pre-menopausal women.
- A woman died from SCAD complications, inspiring her sister to raise awareness.
- Efforts are underway in Pittsburgh to educate and fund research for SCAD.
Dr. Michele Hebda tragically lost her sister, Heather, in 2022 due to Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). Heather, a healthy 39-year-old mother, experienced chest pain and arm numbness, symptoms initially dismissed but later diagnosed as SCAD. This dissection of coronary arteries led to a flap blocking blood flow, resulting in her death three days later.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., with SCAD identified as a significant cause of heart attacks in pre-menopausal women. Dr. Agness Koczo, a cardiologist, notes that over a third of heart attacks in women under fifty are due to SCAD, often presenting with symptoms beyond chest pain, such as jaw or back pain.
Motivated by her grief, Dr. Hebda is dedicated to educating the public about SCAD. She has organized the "5K Scadaddle" in Pittsburgh for three years, raising thousands for SCAD Research Inc. The event aims to support research and spread awareness, hoping to prevent further tragedies and save lives.
