Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • ; Purpose:; Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a nonatherosclerotic type of acute myocardial infarction that primarily affects young, healthy women without typical risk factors for heart disease. Few investigations have examined psychosocial variables in this population and none have looked at patient perceptions of the experience and stresses associated with having a SCAD event or the resources currently available to SCAD survivors. This investigation describes survivors' subjective experiences of SCAD. Participants also provided information about types and helpfulness of resources available to them post-SCAD, including cardiac rehabilitation.; ; ; Methods:; Participants were recruited online and completed a one-time questionnaire.; ; ; Results:; Participants (n = 409) completed a questionnaire concerning their experiences with their SCAD event in the 1 y and 2 wk prior to the SCAD event. Their responses reflected moderate to high perceptions of stress. Participants experienced the SCAD event as highly stressful and frightening and their heart health presents as a moderate-severe source of current, post-diagnosis stress. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection–based informational support was frequently rated as inadequate, whereas other supportive resources varied in their helpfulness and accessibility. Participants reported positive experiences in cardiac rehabilitation and strong interest in SCAD-specific, professionally led, online patient education and support groups.; ; ; Conclusions:; This study is the largest to date investigation of SCAD survivors and their experiences in this understudied and perhaps underrecognized condition. Opportunities for researchers and providers to develop, tailor, and disseminate SCAD-specific interventions are discussed.;

publication date

  • November 1, 2018

has restriction

  • green

Date in CU Experts

  • February 1, 2019 12:59 PM

Full Author List

  • Wagers TP; Stevens CJ; Ross KV; Leon KK; Masters KS

author count

  • 5

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1932-7501

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 374

end page

  • 379

volume

  • 38

issue

  • 6