Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) in pregnancy

SCAD is a rare but serious heart condition that causes a tear or bruise to develop in a coronary (heart) artery resulting in a blockage that prevents normal blood flow. It can cause heart attack, heart failure or cardiac arrest and can be fatal. SCAD can happen during pregnancy and during the weeks and months after you have given birth. Symptoms can include:

• central chest pain
• arm pain or numbness
• pain in the jaw, back or shoulders
• nausea
• sweating/clamminess
• breathing difficulties

Some people experience indigestion-like chest or throat pain that does not respond to indigestion remedies. If you experience some/all of these symptoms, call 111 or 999 and say you are worried about your heart.