Are you at risk of a scad heart attack?

Nobody considers the liver as a sex organ. They also can’t; That’s not one. But it is also true that biological sex has an impact on the type of heart problem and symptoms experienced by people. That is, women often have symptoms that usually do not come with heart disease. And when it comes to the spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), not only mostly affect women. Because the symptoms are so generic, they are often ignored, putting even young women, and even pregnant women, at risk of having a SCAD heart attack.

Consider your symptoms seriously

Medical formation historically only studies men when conducting research. People generally do not question whether a man’s experience is universal. This means that the generation of doctors learn to find symptoms in everyone we now know only happens to men.

As a woman, symptoms of heart problems include:

• Fatigue
• Jaw pain
• Hard to breathe
• Anxiety

Some doctors may not know to consider these symptoms seriously. This can cause wrong diagnosis – or even fully missed.

That is why understanding what to consider can save your life.

As a woman, you don’t have to convince your doctor that your symptoms are real, said Patricia Rodriguez-Lozano, MD, Director of Women’s Heart Care Program at UVA Health. But the reality is, you might have to do it.

What is scad?

Scad refers to the tears suddenly on the arterial wall in the heart. When tears occur, blood passes through the deepest layer of arteries. Blood can be trapped and swell inward. This narrows or blocks the hallway. This can cause a SCAD heart attack.

According to Rodriguez-Lozano, 95% of SCAD cases occur in women. The condition of the heart is also a cause behind up to 35% of heart attacks in women under 50 years. Not to mention SCAD is the main cause of heart attacks in pregnant women. But some people – even some doctors – whether they don’t know or don’t know that heart problems can look different in women.

“Education is the first step towards empowerment,” he said. “When women understand how their heart disease is different – not only in symptoms but also in risk factors, diagnostic tools, and care – they are better prepared to advocate the care they need.”

Symptoms of scad

The exact cause of SCAD is unknown. And while his condition can develop in anyone, he tends to affect women who are younger and healthier. Therefore, the symptoms are sometimes blamed for the problem of anxiety or musculoskeletal. It can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment, said Rodriguez-Lozano.

“SCAD is often triggered by emotional or physical stress, changes in postpartum hormone, or intense activity – and can come with subtle symptoms that do not resemble a ‘classic’ heart attack,” he said. “Unfortunately, many women with scad were originally misdiagnosed or dismissed.”

Because SCAD is not caused by plaque buildup, it does not always appear on standard tests. In fact, procedures such as coronary angiography (luxurious phrases to take pictures of heart blood vessels) can worsen tears.

The importance of advocacy

Scad is not common. So it is important to work with a treatment team that has experience in helping women with heart conditions.

“Every woman must know that SCAD is real, serious, and worthy of special care and affection,” said Rodriguez-Lozano. “Knowing about scad – and acknowledging that it requires expert care – can save lives.”