I was a healthy 50 year old when I had my SCAD in 2016. I didn't initially realise I was having a heart attack but eventually went to hospital. Initially doctors were not worried, but blood tests done "just in case" showed abnormalities and I had an angiogram which diagnosed SCAD. The doctors admitted they did not know a great deal about this condition and initially I felt rather abandoned. I was advised to make contact with the research team in Leicester. I also made contact with BeatSCAD.

The research day was so very helpful and reassuring.

On the research day I had scans, blood test and a follow up meeting to explain everything. I was fortunate enough to be told I could stop my medication. This also gave information for my own doctors, who I think also needed the reassurance to be confident to advise this. I was updated on the recent research situation and how far it had progressed.

I was given a follow up appointment a year on and this too is very helpful. It is my only contact and medical appointment I have for the condition as I am not under the General hospital. I now have an annual appointment and this is so very helpful and reassuring to a patient with a rare condition.