Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Overview

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) occurs when a split or separation suddenly develops between the layers of the wall of one of the blood vessels (artery) that provides blood flow to the heart. The space between the layers of the artery's wall may fill with blood, which may reduce or block blood flow through the artery. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection may lead to a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest or other complications if not diagnosed and treated quickly. SCAD often affects women, but men also may have the condition. Read more about spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for spontaneous coronary artery dissection

• Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in heart and blood vessel conditions (cardiologists) and heart and blood vessel surgery (cardiovascular surgeons) have experience evaluating and treating spontaneous coronary artery dissection and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons work together with doctors trained in hereditary conditions (medical genetics) to diagnose and treat your condition. Doctors trained in pregnancy and female reproductive conditions (obstetrics and gynecology) also may help evaluate women who have SCAD.
• Research. Mayo Clinic doctors study new and potential treatments for spontaneous coronary artery dissection and conduct clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Related book: Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life! book provides an easy-to-follow plan to prevent and conquer heart disease.