Every SCAD patient has a different experience both of the SCAD event and subsequent recovery.
Common to most is the question Why me? Fit and healthy people aren’t supposed to have heart attacks are they?
For some patients, this can be followed by feelings of isolation, frustration, grief, stress, depression and more.
Recovery can be fast and problem-free, or patients can face further hurdles, be they medical, psychological or practical, including insufficient recognition of, or support for, SCAD patients who often end up knowing more about their condition than the medical professionals caring for them.
Browse the information in this section to discover what you can expect from Recovery, the Emotional Impact SCAD can have, Contraception and HRT, Pregnancy after SCAD, Finance and Travel.
We also offer some practical suggestions about what you can put into your SCAD Information Pack, what to consider when you want to Return to Work, and why it's important to Advocate for Yourself.
Emotional Impact
Many patients find the mental recovery can be harder than the physical one, so being aware of the Emotional impact of SCAD is important. And if you find your anxiety levels increasing, take a look at our suggestions and resources to help you Cope with Hypervigilance.
Families and friends can also be affected by SCAD and this page offers some advice.
Very sadly, some SCAD patients do not survive, so if you have lost a loved one, read our Bereavement page where there are resources that may help.
Recovery
In the Recovery section, there is information about
Living with SCAD...
Recovery
What to expect when recovering from SCAD, including information on medications, post-SCAD chest pain and exercise
Emotional Impact
Emotional and psychological recovery often takes longer than physical recovery, but there is help available
Hormones
Expert advice about the use of contraception and hormone replacement therapy after SCAD
Pregnancy
If you are considering having a baby after you've had a SCAD, it's important to understand the risks
Advocating for Yourself
Knowledge is power! SCAD is uncommon, so help your doctors to help you by becoming well informed
SCAD Information Pack
Create a pack of information and documents to carry with you in case of emergency
Returning to Work
Hints and tips about what to consider when thinking about returning to work after a SCAD
Finance
Being off work for a period of time or being unable to return to work can impact your finances, but there are organisations that can help
Travel
Driving, flying, holidays… many SCAD patients have questions about what they can and can't do after SCAD
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
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Understand the symptoms of SCAD, tests to diagnose it, genetic variants linked to SCAD and the chances of a recurrence
Living 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
SCAD Stories
Every SCAD patient’s experience is different, but you may find you relate to some of these stories
Support
You are not alone! We can help you find support within the SCAD community and with our Buddy Service
Associated Conditions
Read about other diseases have been found to have an association with SCAD
Research
Find out how to get involved in UK research and keep up to date with published SCAD studies