SCAD research study featured in national press

The Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) study featured in the national press today, including coverage on ITV News.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is rare, yet devastating condition, which predominantly affects young, healthy women. SCAD means the layers which form the coronary vessels of the heart tear away from each other. As a result, blood can collect between the vessel layers forming a blister, which restricts or blocks blood flow to the heart and leads to a SCAD heart attack.

A ‘normal’ heart attack is caused by build-up of fatty deposits on the vessel walls, which is entirely different to one caused by SCAD. With little known about this disease, research is key to unlocking the causes of the disorder.

Thanks to a group of determined SCAD survivors, the first ever UK clinical study into SCAD is being funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Dr David Adlam is clinical and academic lead for the study, which was launched in 2014. The group, led by SCAD survivor Becks Breslin, found each other through social media and contacted Dr Adlam to help find answers. Together, Dr Adlam and Becks created the SCAD UK and Europe research portal, giving SCAD survivors from near and far an opportunity to share their stories and register as a participant in this pioneering trial.

Talking about his research, Dr Adlam said: “We want to try and find answers for our SCAD patients and increase our understanding of this devastating condition.

“Predominantly, these patients are young, healthy women. All of a sudden, they are stricken with a heart attack. We owe it to our patients to give them answers and let them move forward with their lives.”