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Spontaneous coronary artery dissection can happen to anyone, but usually occurs in women in their 40s and 50s. You can experience SCAD even if you don't have other heart-related risk factors, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. SCAD is the most common cause of heart attacks during pregnancy, though that makes up a small portion of overall SCAD cases.
When you’re having a heart emergency, Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute is here to help. We have the experience and leading-edge technology needed to handle the toughest and most complex heart problems, so you can trust us to quickly diagnose and treat your SCAD.
About spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms can be similar to a heart attack and include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, profuse sweating and dizziness. If you are having any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Treatment for SCAD
SCAD can be treated in a number of ways depending on your health and the size and location of your tear. We can prescribe medications to control blood pressure, and nitrates and calcium channel blockers can be used for chest pain.
In some cases, our experts may perform a coronary angioplasty and install a stent or perform open-heart surgery. If you need surgery to repair your artery, we’ll act quickly, providing world-class comprehensive care to give you the best outcome and help ensure a smooth recovery.