Grant: Operating Grant

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) occurs when the inner layers of a coronary artery separate (often due to a tear), causing a blockage in the vessel and reducing blood flow to the heart. It is an emergency condition that can result in chest pain, heart attack and even death. Unfortunately, the causes of SCAD are poorly understood, and it is often misdiagnosed and/or mistreated. This is concerning because SCAD appears to affect mostly young, otherwise healthy individuals, particularly females. In fact, it is the suspected cause of heart attack in approximately 25% of young women. This study will follow 750 Canadian women who have suffered a heart attack as a result of SCAD. We will follow them for 3 years and examine their in-hospital recovery and their long-term health outcomes. We will also look at what types of conditions increase the likelihood of developing SCAD, such as pregnancy or abnormal growths that cause narrowing of the walls of the arteries. This research is important because there are currently no guidelines for the diagnosis and management of SCAD. The results from this study will therefore substantially improve the health and the quality of life of otherwise young and healthy individuals.