I recently had the misfortune of having an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (or 3) due to a Spontaneous Coronary Arterial Dissection (SCAD) of the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) Artery (I think I got my acronyms right.)
As a result, it has left me with a pulse rate in the low 40s (often 41-43) low o2 saturation (86-93 typically), constantly out of breath, borderline low left ventricular systolic function (EF 50%) but I have been told I am in heart failure along with an akinetic apex and to top it all off there is the wonderful diagnosis of pericarditis.
At hospital, I underwent an angiogram, where they located the SCAD but couldn't do anything due to the location of the SCAD making it too dangerous. so I have been given a cocktail of meds and told to rest, rest and more rest until the SCAD heals, then they will reassess to see what can be done if anything. So you can guess I am feeling unsure if I will get healthy again. I work full time but am currently off trying to rest, but not sure if I can ever go back or if I would want to and about to go on O2 to help with the O2 flow.
My question is this, is there anyone else on this forum who has had similar, what was/is the outcome for you?
Thank you for your time.
Written by
Confuzzled_again
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Well, you have had a time of it! That’s some diagnosis there. I haven’t had anything like that but felt I wanted to reply. Forget work for the time being. Rest/rest/rest sounds great until you have to do it! If that’s what the professionals have said tho, you must do it. It’s evidently a major part of your recovery so look at it that way. You might not like it but sometimes we all have to do things we aren’t keen on, for our health. If they’ve recommended home oxygen then do it. These are all vital things to help your recovery. They might be different for what others suffer from on this group but they are your research based forms of treatment. BHF might be of help so join them. They have professional who will liaise with you. Onwards & upwards you go. Take care.
I am sorry to hear you have experienced a spontaneous coronary artery dissection SCAD, a possible cause of a myocardial infarction non obstructive coronary arteries, MINOCA.
There is a very supportive group for people living with SCAD, here's a link to their website.
I live another rare heart condition that can lead to a MINOCA. My coronary arteries go into transient constrictions, vasospasms causing vasospastic angina.
I use oxygen at night to help me sleep and help manage my severe episodes of chest pain.
My oxygen was prescribed by my Cardiologist.
Who has suggested you should be using oxygen?
Have you been offered cardiac rehab?
The problem those of us with rarer causes of heart attacks, is the lack of knowledge about the conditions, how to treat them and the best way to provide cardiac rehab to us.
There is growing evidence that SCADs should be treated by medication as they will heal over a time.
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