I’m Walking/Running for SCAD Research in San Diego September 6th– Please Help Support!
In November, I experienced a SCAD heart attack—something I had never even heard of until it happened to me. SCAD stands for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, a rare and often misunderstood type of heart attack caused by a tear in the wall of a coronary artery. It can happen without warning, and most people affected are healthy, active, and often younger women.
My SCAD was most likely brought on by stress. I am a wife, mom of 3 kiddos ( 9,5,&2) and a second grade teacher. I often think of myself as a professional multitasker. I am also a big advocate for human rights and I am very political. November 6th was a crushing day for me that brought on alot of emotions. However, like everyday I still had to be mom and teacher so I went to work. I noticed all day feeling tired and worn down but thought it was from staying awake watching the election results. Then I got "heartburn" so I drank some water and kept teaching. Once my students went home I was talking with my colleague and noticed I was not okay. I was feeling very ill and not right. So, naturally my first thought was that my colleague needed to leave so I can sit. Instead I made the decision to tell him something was wrong and I needed help. That's when I made the connection that my heart still hurt and my left arm as well. Being educated and knowing the signs of a heart attack we sent my daughter (9 year old) to get help. Luckily down the hall from me worked a volunteer EMT. I can't say how much I appreciate my small town EMT volunteers for taking my heart attack seriously. They advocated for me with the hospital and I was able to get to Mayo Clinic within an hour. I was lucky! My heart attack was not as severe as it could have been and with cardiac rehab and medication I am doing well.❤️💔❤️🩹
The first major research article on SCAD was only published in 2011—this means we have a long way to go in understanding, diagnosing, and treating it. That’s why I’m participating in a 5K walk/run this September in San Diego to raise funds and awareness for SCAD research. I will be representing the Minnesota SCAD group.
I’m asking for your help. Your donation—no matter the size—will directly support research efforts.
#SCADHeartAttack #SCADSurvivor #HeartHealth #SupportSCADResearch
