What is my risk for another SCAD related heart attack?

Recurrent SCAD heart attacks have been reported to occur in approximately 10 to 30% of patients within 3 years of their initial SCAD heart attack. As we continue to follow more SCAD patients for longer periods of time, we will learn more about the chances of another SCAD heart attack. A higher risk of SCAD recurrence is associated with severe coronary artery twisting (tortuosity), FMD with migraines and high blood pressure.

To lower the risk of another SCAD event, you can maintain a healthy blood pressure, take medications to lower the shear stress on your blood vessels (beta-blockers) and maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes moderate intensity exercise.

Up to 50% of patients with SCAD have recurrent chest pains after their event, even though the artery is healed in most cases. In most patients these symptoms will get better over time, however sometimes hospital admission is necessary to assess for SCAD recurrence. If you develop recurrent symptoms, speak to your doctor, who can then decide what testing and treatment you may need for chest pain after SCAD.