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In November 2016 at the age of 55 I suffered a heart attack.  I considered myself fit and healthy, ate a balanced diet and exercised regularly therefore you would think that I was one of the most unlikely people to have a heart attack.  My family and friends could not believe it had happened to me, of all people!  I was enjoying a meal in a restaurant with my husband Graham and friends when I suddenly felt unwell. I knew something was very wrong, I had pain and a crushing pressure that I had never experienced before. We called an ambulance and from then it becomes hazy.  All I can remember was the paramedic saying "She is having a heart attack". What should have been a pleasant evening turned into a nightmare and a long journey of recovery.

The heart attack was caused by a rare heart condition called SCAD, Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

I've since learnt that SCAD isn't rare, it is rare to survive.  What we have learnt so far - 

• SCAD strikes without warning
• We don't know why SCAD happens or how to prevent it
• Patients usually experience a sudden, unexpected heart attack
• Sadly, some cases of SCAD are fatal
• It can affect all age groups and is recognised as a cause of heart attacks in young adults
• The average age of SCAD survivors is 42 but some victims are only in their 20s
• Both sexes can be affected but it is more common in women
• SCAD affects people with few or none of the traditional risk factors for heart disease
• It can, and does, have a devastating effect on people's lives as well as their family and friends
• It is estimated that 1 in 5 of us will have it again! 

Vital research is necessary to understand WHY this happens. However, earlier this year I was devastated to learn that the British Heart Foundation cannot continue funding the research being conducted at The Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.  Funding has been withdrawn.

The research was gaining real momentum, raising awareness among cardiologists and providing information to specialists throughout the country.  Without more funding the future of this project is at risk.  Currently, patients are travelling to Leicester to meet the only two specialists in the country.  BeatSCAD, a patient-led charity, has already donated £25,000 to the Leicester SCAD research project but still needs another £25,000 to keep this essential research going.

When I had my SCAD I was told that I was lucky to be alive and that I would probably never meet another SCAD survivor. SCAD isn't rare, it is rare to survive. I hope that with fundraising efforts from the SCAD community on behalf of BeatSCAD we can enable this crucial research to continue.

Thank you for taking time to read this. If you are able to make even the smallest donation it is hugely appreciated. Thank you.