Many patients worry about having another SCAD. The latest data suggests around one in 10 patients will have a recurrence over a five to 10-year follow-up period. Which means 90% of patients do not have another SCAD. Studies also suggest that injuries to the heart after a recurrence are small so outcomes are usually good.
Some SCAD patients are concerned that if they have a SCAD in their 20s, 30s or 40s, they are at risk of having another one when they reach menopause age. There is no detailed statistical analysis on this, but SCAD experts say they haven’t seen any signals that people who have their first SCAD when they are younger are at more risk of a recurrence when they’re approaching menopause. The follow-up hasn’t been done for long enough to provide any solid information on this, however.
At the moment there is no clinical trial evidence to point to advice or preventative measures that may reduce the risk of having another SCAD. Blood pressure control is important, as is having strategies for managing stressful situations when they arise. Stress can't be avoided but learning techniques to help reduce its impact can be beneficial.
You can watch Dr David Adlam, who is leading the SCAD research, discuss recurrence here (starts at 21 minutes).
And he discusses the 'stress-stress' cycle here (starts at 38 minutes).
Some of the medical terminology used by doctors can be confusing, so fill in the Download form to request our Jargon Buster for some explanations.
Click on the links below for information about SCAD and Genetics and patients who would like to request a referral to a SCAD specialist should have a look at the Clinic Referrals page.
Resources
Beat SCAD Conference 2023 (starts 21 minutes)
Beat SCAD Walk 2022 (starts at 1 hour 24 mins)
Dr Alice Wood discusses research into SCAD recurrence (2021)
Dr Alice Wood discusses research into SCAD recurrence (2020)
FAQs
Many patients worry about having another SCAD. The latest data suggests around one in 10 patients will have a recurrence over a five to 10-year follow-up period. Which means 90% of patients do not have another SCAD. Studies also suggest that injuries to the heart after a recurrence are small so outcomes are usually good.
Some SCAD patients are concerned that if they have a SCAD in their 20s, 30s or 40s, they are at risk of having another one when they reach menopause age. There is no detailed statistical analysis on this, but SCAD experts say they haven’t seen any signals that people who have their first SCAD when they are younger are at more risk of a recurrence when they’re approaching menopause. The follow-up hasn’t been done for long enough to provide any solid information on this, however.
At the moment there is no clinical trial evidence to point to advice or preventative measures that may reduce the risk of having another SCAD. Blood pressure control is important, as is having strategies for managing stressful situations when they arise. Stress can't be avoided but learning techniques to help reduce its impact are beneficial.
Watch Dr David Adlam, who is leading the UK SCAD research, discuss recurrence here (starts at 21 minutes).
There is a lot of useful and accurate information on the internet about heart disease and heart attacks, however there are also many myths and ‘suggestions’ that are inaccurate and could be harmful if believed or followed.
For example, the ‘cough CPR’ myth that suggests coughing could help if you think you’re having a heart attack or have had a cardiac arrest. There is no medical evidence to suggest that coughing could prevent a heart attack. And CPR is only needed if you have had a cardiac arrest and are unconscious, so you would be unable to cough at that point.
Check trusted sources of information , such as Beat SCAD, the British Heart Foundation , Heart Research UK , Resuscitation Council UK , the NHS or other sites relevant to your query.
You can ask your GP or pharmacy for information too.
Please don’t spread inaccurate and harmful information. If in doubt… check it out!