Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) Treatment

The walls of the artery are made up of thin layers of tissues. When the layers of tissue separate, blood seeps and gets trapped between the tissue layers. As a result the artery is partially or completely blocked. This condition is known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare condition.

Following factor increases the risk for SCAD – • Females • Abnormal development of cells in the artery wall • High blood pressure • Excessive exercise • Inflammatory diseases of blood vessels • Genetics

Treatments for SCAD are – • Blood thinner medicines • Beta blockers • Let the dissection heal • Stent- to unblock the coronary artery • Surgery

If you are diagnosed with SCAD it is important to follow doctor’s advice and make regular visit for check-up and medications.

Symptoms of SCAD are – • Pain in chest • Shortness of breath • Irregular heart beat • Dizziness • Nausea • Tiredness

SCAD can re-occur after the treatment. High blood pressure increases the risk of recurrence of SCAD.

Yes, SCAD can cause gradual blockage of the arteries and may cause heart attack, problem in heart rhythm or sudden death.

Recovery time depends upon various factors such as severity of dissection, underlying health condition. In most of the cases, it takes few weeks to months to recover from SCAD.

In some people the tear in the artery may heal itself without any intervention. Medicines may be given to manage the symptoms.