Living with Idiopathic spontaneous coronary artery dissection
A heart artery condition in which blood collects in the artery wall and blocks blood flow to the heart.
Understanding Idiopathic spontaneous coronary artery dissection
The trapped blood causes a blockage. It is more common in women and usually seen in adults. Symptoms range from chest pain to heart attack. For some people, a heart attack is the first symptom. GARD says it is an urgent situation that needs immediate attention.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Chest pain
- Heart attack
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heartbeat
- Sweating
- Nausea and tiredness
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with SCAD Alliance and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The exact cause is not fully understood. Risk factors include pregnancy, recently giving birth, very high blood pressure, and extreme exercise. Connective tissue disorders or fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) may add risk.
Also known as: coronary artery dissection, spontaneous; idiopathic scad
Patient organizations
- SCAD AllianceIdiopathic spontaneous coronary artery dissection · United States
- SCAD ResearchIdiopathic spontaneous coronary artery dissection · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Idiopathic spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
Explore research for Idiopathic spontaneous coronary artery dissection
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