Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

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The day I learned to live more gently

June 13, 2022

Tuesday May 17th was just Like any other day, I was feeling a bit tired and sore but that would be expected after just competing in a “Dragon Boat” race the Saturday prior. I am a healthy 55 year old with no co morbidities. I was walking up a hill after work to get to my car when my chest felt so heavy, of course I thought geesh this hill is hard today, I was on my way to my sister’s house as we were to go to dinner a fleeting thought came to mind I should go get checked out but again I’m a healthy active 55 year old.

So on I went once I got to my sister’s house I was nauseous and the pressure in my chest was worse, I asked my sis to call 911. I ended up coding in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. A cardiac cath revealed SCAD no blockages no stents required Dr said it had already started healing.

I asked what caused this and how do i prevent it from happening again he looked me straight in the eye and said Dragon Boat! No more Dragon boat. But I have to admit the prior year I was under a great deal of emotional stress which may have attributed as well. I am currently in Cardio Rehab and walked a 5k on June 11th. I am learning to live gently, listen to my body and I am so very thankful to be alive!!