Every SCAD patient has a different experience and their events happen in varying circumstances – from post-partum and menopausal women to highly athletic men and women. Telling our stories is a powerful way to raise awareness of SCAD as a condition that affects a wide range of people, most of whom have none of the normal cardiac risk factors. It is also helpful for other SCAD patients to know they are not alone.
Within each story below you'll see some categories that link together similar stories. So for instance if you had a SCAD while in your 40s and want to read about the experiences of other patients who were a similar age to you, click on the '40s' filter.
Thanks to those who have allowed us to publish their stories.
If you’d like to tell us your story, we'll need your permission to publish it, so please request a media release via our Downloads area and then send us your story and completed form.
Click the category links below to see similar stories
Liz
Runner and cardiac nurse Liz (pictured centre with her daughters) had a SCAD in 2017 and worked hard to get back to running
Marie
Marie was a fit and healthy 40-year-old who ran regularly when her SCAD happened in May 2023
Linn
Linn was 35 when she had her SCAD, but cardiac rehab was a blessing for her
Alison
Alison says regaining trust in her body was the biggest challenge after her SCAD
Richard
Richard was 53 when he had his SCAD. During his recovery he suffered from anxiety and is investigating coping mechanisms
Debbie
Life after SCAD has had ups and downs, but Debbie has rediscovered her love for ice skating
Nicola
After her SCAD, Nicola lost trust in her body, but eventually found a new purpose in her life
Paul
A fit, healthy semi-pro rugby player in his late 30s, Paul was told his symptoms couldn't be a heart attack
Geri
Geri had a heart attack five months after her baby was born. When she went to hospital, she was asked if she'd ever taken heroin or cocaine
Kate
Kate was working long hours and studying for a Masters when she had her SCAD, aged 52
Colette
Colette was asked by A&E staff if she had taken drugs but was eventually diagnosed with SCAD
Andrea
Andrea's heart attack symptoms were diagnosed as stress… until a troponin test was done
Bronnach
Bronnach was 34 and pregnant when she had a SCAD. She had to retire from a job she loved and she now lives with heart failure
Amanda
Amanda knew something wasn't right, but had a long road to a SCAD diagnosis
James
James' life is based around running and he hasn't let a SCAD stop him doing what he loves!
Rose
Rose had three heart attacks in a week just a few months after giving birth to her second child
Victoria
Victoria was 35 when shortly after the birth of her second child, she had a SCAD
Rebecca
After Rebecca had a SCAD a fortuitous meeting led to the start of the UK research
Tracey
Tracey had a SCAD and cardiac arrest but the quick actions of a paramedic saved her life
Sarah
Fit and healthy mum, Sarah, says her mental recovery was harder than the physical
Jennifer
Jennifer was 40 when she had a SCAD, which was a huge shock to her and her family
Jennifer
Jennifer was told she had a chest infection, but was diagnosed with SCAD a few days later
Karen
Four weeks after a liver transplant, Karen's life was turned upside down again when she had a SCAD
Polly
After her SCAD, Polly achieved her ambition to gain an Art degree – at the age of 67!
James
James was 44 when he had a SCAD and he says the shock affected him more than anything else
Róisín
Róisín was 38, a slim, fit and healthy mum of three when she had a SCAD
Robyn
Two weeks after her third child had been born, Robyn, aged 27, had a SCAD and cardiac arrest
Harriet
Busy HR Director and mum of three, Harriet struggled to find information after her SCAD
Debbie
Debbie was 49 when she had he SCAD in the gym, but something good came out of it
Jenny
Jenny had a SCAD while training for a half marathon… and another one 18 months later
Michelle
Mum of three, Michelle, had to have open-heart surgery after her SCAD
Sam
Sam's mental health suffered after her SCAD, but with support she was able to move forward
Clare
Clare felt isolated after her SCAD, but found support that helped her regain confidence
Carole
Carole was an incredible mum, says her son Matt, who is raising funds in memory of his mum
Denise
Denise's SCAD coincided with strenuous exercise and awful menopause symptoms
Louise
Louise was 51 when she had a SCAD and says the support groups provided invaluable support
Sarah
After Sarah had her SCAD she was put in touch with another SCAD patient, who helped support her
Charlotte
Doctors told Charlotte her symptoms were unlikely to be serious as she was too young and healthy
Cheryl
After her SCAD Cheryl found support from other patients, which she says was lifesaving
Kim
A&E Sister Kim was shocked at her diagnosis, but has become more appreciative of her family and friends
Zoe
Zoe had a SCAD and cardiac arrest while having dinner with friends a few weeks after she’d given birth to her daughter
Lucy
Lucy was 28 when she had her SCAD while walking her dogs and had to have a coronary artery bypass
Rebecca
Rebecca had a SCAD during an operation and says it took longer to recover emotionally than physically
Rachel
Three weeks after her daughter was born, Rachel had a SCAD and cardiac arrest
For Patients...
What is SCAD?
Learn about Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, who can be affected and how you can get support to help you on your post-SCAD journey
What is SCAD?Symptoms & Diagnosis
Understand the symptoms of SCAD, tests to diagnose it, genetic variants linked to SCAD and the chances of a recurrence
Symptoms & DiagnosisLiving with SCAD
This section discusses what your recovery might look like, the emotional impact of SCAD and practical things such as returning to work, travel and finances
Living with SCADSCAD Stories
Every SCAD patient’s experience is different, but you may find you relate to some of these stories
SCAD StoriesAssociated Conditions
Read about other diseases have been found to have an association with SCAD
Associated Conditions