Melissa's Health Chat on The Careering Podcast
The Careering Podcast kicked off in 2022, and then took a pause for quite a while in 2023. Episode 24 explains why that is.
In this two part episode, we discuss women's health. In part one, which is Episode 24, we specifically discuss Melissa's 'health issue' we've alluded to in previous episodes.
We dive deep into what a SCAD heart attack is, why women need to be aware of it and what Melissa has taken out of the experience.
In this two part episode, we discuss women's health. In part one, which is Episode 24, we specifically discuss Melissa's 'health issue' we've alluded to in previous episodes.
We dive deep into what a SCAD heart attack is, why women need to be aware of it and what Melissa has taken out of the experience.
Warning - Please note
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The following content and podcast episode contains discussions about health, heart health, significant illness, and general life and death, that some people may find disturbing.
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So what happened exactly?
With out going into all the details (the pod episode below does that), late 2022 Melissa had a SCAD - Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. Here's a bit more about SCAD and following on from this, is the full episode. Please get in touch if you have any questions or feedback too.
Thanks for being here!
Thanks for being here!
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
SCAD is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a tear forms in one of the blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply blood to the heart muscle. Unlike typical coronary artery disease, which is often associated with a buildup of plaque, SCAD involves a separation of the layers of the artery wall, leading to a blockage or reduced blood flow to the heart.
SCAD occurs when there is a tear in the inner lining of a coronary artery. Blood then flows through the tear, pooling between the inner and outer linings of the artery. This reduces blood flow through the artery, sometimes blocking it completely.
Who does SCAD typically affect?
SCAD often affects younger individuals, particularly women, although it can occur in men as well. It is more commonly seen in people without traditional risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or hypertension. The exact cause of SCAD is not always clear, but it can be associated with conditions like fibromuscular dysplasia.
How serious is it?
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection is an under-diagnosed cause of acute coronary syndrome, heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest so it is serious, and needs to be treated early. If you have symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. SCAD may cause chest pain, heart attack, or even sudden cardiac death. The severity depends on factors such as the location and extent of the artery tear. Please get expert advice immediately if you have any concerns.
What else should we know?
SCAD is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a tear forms in one of the blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply blood to the heart muscle. Unlike typical coronary artery disease, which is often associated with a buildup of plaque, SCAD involves a separation of the layers of the artery wall, leading to a blockage or reduced blood flow to the heart.
SCAD occurs when there is a tear in the inner lining of a coronary artery. Blood then flows through the tear, pooling between the inner and outer linings of the artery. This reduces blood flow through the artery, sometimes blocking it completely.
Who does SCAD typically affect?
SCAD often affects younger individuals, particularly women, although it can occur in men as well. It is more commonly seen in people without traditional risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or hypertension. The exact cause of SCAD is not always clear, but it can be associated with conditions like fibromuscular dysplasia.
How serious is it?
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection is an under-diagnosed cause of acute coronary syndrome, heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest so it is serious, and needs to be treated early. If you have symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. SCAD may cause chest pain, heart attack, or even sudden cardiac death. The severity depends on factors such as the location and extent of the artery tear. Please get expert advice immediately if you have any concerns.
What else should we know?
- Prevalence: SCAD is considered a rare condition, and its prevalence worldwide is estimated to be around 0.1-0.4% of all cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
- Demographics: While SCAD can affect people of various ages, the majority of cases occur in individuals under the age of 50, with a higher incidence in women, especially during and after pregnancy, or under high stress.
- Risk of Recurrence: Around 10-30% of individuals who experience SCAD may face a recurrence of the condition.
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To Learn More About SCAD
There are lots of great resources globally, and here in Aotearoa, The Heart Foundation is the place to go, but here's few more worth checking out:
The Victor Chang Institue in Australia
Beat Scad in the UK
SCAD Alliance in the US
The Victor Chang Institue in Australia
Beat Scad in the UK
SCAD Alliance in the US
“(S)He who has health has hope and (s)he who has hope has everything.”
Arabian Proverb
www.careering9.com
The Podcasting Team
Melissa DaviesFounder of Holdmine and Independent Director
Melissa has worked with a diverse range of organisations from tech and fitness businesses, local Government, and trade based owner/operators to leading engineering organisations with over 5000 staff, and tech ventures. In each role she has focused on achieving a positive step-change in business performance, and supporting the people involved to achieve their goals.
Melissa loves connecting and empowering people, making a positive impact and delivering great financial and social returns. |
Kelsie InglisMarketing and Brand Strategist
Kelsie's a brand and communications aficionado, not the kind that is just book-smart, she's been hands on and led teams to sprint through a few 100 campaigns, including ones to grow the Wellington economy and major government department brand work internally and externally. She's also taken the stage to lecture in Hangzhou, China.
Hailing from Motueka originally, Kelsie's a recent addition to the Otautahi population after having an on/off relationship with Wellington for almost a decade. |