Maxwell Ademeyi
SPONTANEOUS coronary artery dissection (SCAD) occurs when blood flow in the heart slows or stops because of a tear in the wall of an artery.
SCAD is a rare but life-threatening condition which affects the coronary arteries, the vessels that provide oxygenated blood to the heart.
It occurs when there is a tear in the inner lining of a coronary artery. Blood then flows through the tear, pooling between the inner and outer linings of the artery. This reduces blood flow through the artery, sometimes blocking it completely. This reduction in blood flow can cause a heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms or cardiac arrest.
Symptoms
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection happens suddenly and without warning. The signs and symptoms can closely resemble a heart attack caused by coronary artery disease. These symptoms may include:
* Chest pain
* Heaviness or tightness in chest
* Pain or discomfort in arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
* A rapid heartbeat or fluttery feeling in chest
* Shortness of breath
* Dizziness
* Sweating
* Nausea and sickness
* Extreme tiredness
* Loss of consciousness
Because this condition can be life-threatening, if you’re suffering any of these symptoms, even if you don’t have the typical heart disease risk factors, call for or seek medical attention urgently.
Causes
Generally, researchers are still unsure of the exact cause of this condition. However, there are some factors that put you at greater risk. These include:
* Gender: Approximately 80 per cent of people with spontaneous coronary artery dissection are women.
* Age: It is more common in people in their 40s and 50s, although it can affect people of any age.
* Having recently given birth: Some women experience this condition in the first few weeks after giving birth.
* Fibromuscular dysplasia and other blood vessel conditions: There is an association between the condition and fibromuscular dysplasia and other blood-vessel conditions. This condition causes weakening of the medium-sized blood vessels and increases the risks of aneurysms and dissection.
* Extreme physical or emotional distress: There is an association between spontaneous coronary artery dissection and people who have recently experienced extreme emotional or physical distress. This association is not yet fully understood.
* Genetics: Researchers believe there may be a genetic predisposition (a greater likelihood of developing it if someone else in your family has had it) but this is still under study. Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan syndromes are genetic conditions that have been found to occur in people who have had the disease.
* Very high blood pressure: Severe high blood pressure can raise the risk of this condition.
* Illegal drug use: Using cocaine or other illegal drugs might increase the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
* Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes brought on by menopause are thought to contribute to the risk of this condition.
Many people who experience spontaneous coronary artery diss
