Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon heart condition where a false lumen develops in the wall of a coronary artery which extends, compressing the true lumen, resulting in a blockage or narrowing that prevents normal blood flow. This leads to a heart attack and occasionally heart failure or cardiac arrest which, rarely, can be fatal.
In this section you will find information about symptoms and diagnosis, current thinking about treatments, details about clinic referrals, the UK SCAD research project, and a useful list of research publications.
You can read some Patient Stories here and get more information via our Downloads form at the bottom of the page. If you have any questions please contact us.
If you would like FREE printed leaflets, In Case of Emergency (ICE) cards for your patients or cards with information about SCAD for healthcare professionals, please order from our Shop (we can only post to the UK & Ireland).
Events and Videos
Go to our Events and Videos section to watch videos of SCAD experts discussing the latest clinical advances and research findings, as well as associated conditions, such as Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD), exercise, cardiac rehab, wellbeing and more.
For Professionals...
What is SCAD?
Knowledge about SCAD is increasing, but we still have a lot to learn. Find out how SCAD can present, symptoms, SCAD facts and the current theories about false lumen formation
Diagnosis
How to diagnose SCAD, risks of invasive angiograms to check for healing and information about post-SCAD Chest Pain Syndrome
Treatments
Clinical trials are needed to identify the best treatments for SCAD patients, but research and clinical practice have resulted in guidelines about conservative management and surgical intervention
Recovery
SCAD experts advise that all patients be referred to cardiac rehab and some people may need emotional support too
Clinic Referrals
Many patients find it beneficial both clinically and emotionally to be referred to a SCAD specialist. It can be instrumental in their recovery, so we encourage healthcare professionals to consider a referral
Research
A round-up of the UK research project and other research and clinical trials around the world