VIDEO: Management of patients with SCAD

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is primarily seen as an and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in women. For years, women with heart attack symptoms would go to the hospital and were told there was nothing serious wrong because there were not any clear blockages in there arteries. However, SCAD has been increasing recognized in the past decade as rare but serious condition.

SCAD is caused by hematomas that develop in the coronary arteries and cause blood flow restriction. These also can tear and a flap of tissue can block blood flow in the artery. 

With increased recognition of SCAD, there have been efforts to gather more data on how to best diagnose and manage these patients. One of the big efforts underway is the iSCAD Registry, includes 21 U.S. hospital sites collecting data on SCAD patients to better understand the disease and to help establish a clear standard of care. 

Malissa J. Wood, MD, associate chief of cardiology for diversity and equity, and co-director, Corrigan Women’s Heart Health Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, spoke with Cardiovascular Business to explain some of the latest data from the iSCAD Registry presented at the American College of Cardiology 2023 meeting. She also discussed how these patients are currently diagnosed and and managed.