I recently suffered scad attack. I’m 39 and it happened in May 5 months after the birth of my baby boy. I’m always really scared it’s going to happen again.
This morning 28th August I started to suffer with really bad heart palpitations and got admitted into hospital. I have had ECG’s bloods etc all normal. But the heart palpitations have lasted 12 hours and still are as I write this.
Has anyone else had this problem.
I don’t think it’s anxiety as its lasted all day in my chest and throat.
Any tips for over coming the overwhelming fear of SCAD recurring would be greatly appreciated.
Warmest regards
Jessica
Written by
Loveyourheart
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Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is unfortunately a poorly understood condition. However there are 2 centres in the UK where they see patients with the condition.
I suggest you ask your Cardiologist or GP to refer you for their expert advice.
Here is the link to how to be referred to a specialist.
There are some other people on the forum who have the lived experience of SCAD and I am sure they will be along to share their experiences with you as well.
Stillaboveground - it's full name is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection when the lining of an artery in the heart tears or bruises which then forms a clot, almost always leading to a heart attack. It is therefore different to the more normal atherosclerosis heart attack in that the arteries are clear and sufferers mostly likely don't have any of the 'normal' heart attack risks. 90% of sufferers are female, the majority around the menopause but with around 10% post-partum like Loveyourheart. And then there's me who had mine aged 68!
Hi Jessica! As usual Milkfairy has got there before me and given good advice. I am one of those who had had a SCAD heart attack, although mine was at the age of 68 which is quite unusual in itself and much easier to deal with as I didn't have a small child to care for.
This is the information I try to give to anyone I see on this forum who has had a SCAD and hope it helps. Especially the Facebook Group (I'm sure you will be able to join the UK & Ireland group - it is less overwhelming than the USA/International one!!)
The difficult bit for me to say, but I have to be honest, is that I am one of the unlucky 10% that has had 2 SCAD heart attacks, but (as is usual) the second was 'milder'. You have to concentrate on the fact that 90% DO NOT have a second!! - and my having had 2 reduces the odds of you having another!
I am, however, lucky that I have had no follow on problems, but if you can join the Facebook Group there are plenty that do (to varying degrees) especially in the first few healing months.
Sorry for the long post, but if you have any queries please ask.
Just thought. I am not sure how referrals would work from Mallorca as it is an NHS clinic and you have to be referred by your GP/Cardiologist. The doctors (in Leicester especially where the UK research is being carried out) may be happy to speak to your cardiologist to give advice.
Thanks - and the same back to you in all your posts. I really only check this forum to see if there are any SCAD sufferers so I can hopefully point them in a helpful direction.
I had a scad just over a year ago at 52 and it is scary and you will be worried it will happen again but as time goes on it does get easier I still get pain and have been to hospital like you and tests have all come back ok also seen the doctor who says its anxiety or maybe acid reflux I'm sure it's neither but you could ask for a referral to Leicester I went there and saw a specialist are you on a lot of medication?
Hi Jessica sorry to hear about your post partum SCAD it must be extreamly scary for you. I have posted something similar on another SCAD post and would like to share this with you.
My daughter suffered from a SCAD and 3 heart attacks last November (2018) ‘post-partum' (after 2nd baby) just 30 years old. Her journey of recovery has been turbulent to say the least and she is still ‘getting there slowly’. Finding out more about the condition has been difficult and she's had to overcome many challenges. Getting support has been crucial for us as we have found the ongoing symptoms from SCAD quite scary with a number of repetitive A&E visits. The lack of information and understanding from many healthcare professionals can be challenging at times but there is a growing community of SCAD patients and help is available (see below). My daughter often uses the Facebook support group for help. There is another one for families of SCAD patients as well (the two are kept separate - Debbie is brilliant). Also cardiac rehab and counselling from a cardiac nurse helped my daughter to overcome some of the fear but give yourself time it is an increadibly difficult and distressing time for a young mum to have experienced.
A couple of people have mentioned this already but Beatscad was set up and is run by SCAD patients and supporters.
SCAD research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre scad.lcbru.le.ac.uk
European Society of Cardiology SCAD Position Paper bit.ly/2FkRKmJ See beatscad.org.uk/useful-links for worldwide research
Facebook groups (both for patients and for families – you can also follow ‘Beatscad.org.uk’ on FB)
SCAD – UK & Ireland Survivors For SCAD patients bit.ly/1Mizg9a SCAD
Family and Friends Support Group bit.ly/1TMQDwc
Financial help is limiting. My daughter was on maternity leave but couldn't return to work after it finished. The financial impact on a young family is very difficult and adds added stress you and your family do not need or deserve at this time. After nearly 8 months we finally got some help from a PIP but it wasn't easy. Limited from the condition with side effects and damage to her heart my daughter eventually got some money and also a blue badge after assessments. I don’t know your circumstances but I would encourage patients to keep and copy any notes, reports, scans or letters from the hospital, including discharge notes and medication to support your claims as evidence. This is not something you would normally consider when concentrating on your recovery and emergencies but has been vital in not only providing evidence, but also sharing medical information to emergency servcies and healthcare professionals.
Good luck and all the best to you Jess I hope you recover well and start to enjoy all your mummy things again soon.
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