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Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: an Overview

  • Women and Ischemic Heart Disease (A. Maran, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Atherosclerosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that, by definition, is not iatrogenic or due to trauma. It is a condition that predominantly affects pre- or perimenopausal women without the traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of Review

In this review, we will discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of this condition, with an emphasis on the ongoing research needed to better understand how to care for patients with SCAD.

Recent Findings

There is a paucity of data related to this condition. However, an American Heart Association consensus statement has recently been released that provides helpful insight. There has also been better characterization of pregnancy-associated SCAD.

Summary

We have learned much about SCAD over the last decade and greatly increased the identification of this condition by first responders and physicians through research and patient advocacy. However, there is much we still do not know about this condition, and further research, using larger numbers of patients, is greatly needed to better understand this condition.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, Kaiser Northern California, 2238 Geary Boulevard, 8th Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Sahar Naderi

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  1. Sahar Naderi
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Correspondence to Sahar Naderi.

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Sahar Naderi declares no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Women and Ischemic Heart Disease

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Naderi, S. Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: an Overview. Curr Atheroscler Rep 20, 58 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-018-0761-7

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