If you’re an athlete, being fit and healthy might make you think you don’t need to worry about your heart health. But there’s a rare, serious condition you should be aware of. It’s called
spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and with it, a tear happens in the wall of the coronary artery wall, so it’s difficult or impossible for blood to reach the heart.
SCAD is different from lots of other heart problems because things like high blood pressure or high cholesterol don’t affect your chances of having it.
“We are not entirely sure what causes SCAD, but it could be related to abnormal blood vessel structure, genetics, hormonal effects and inflammatory conditions,” said Ambar Andrade, MD, a cardiologist with Banner - University Medicine.
Athletes can be at higher risk because of the stress they put on their bodies, especially with high-intensity training, endurance activities like marathon running, heavy weightlifting or intense yoga.
Your body releases stress hormones when you exercise intensely and repetitive stress adds to the strain on your body and your arteries. Changes in hormone levels also affect the health of your arteries, so female athletes may be at higher risk.
“The majority of SCAD patients are women and women who have recently given birth or are postmenopausal are at higher risk. However, this condition can happen in men as well,” Andrade said.
SCAD symptoms in athletes
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of SCAD, so if you notice them you can get treatment. “The symptoms can be very similar to those of a heart attack,” Dr. Andrade said. They may include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Fainting/passing out
- Fatigue or weakness during exercise
You might notice these symptoms during or after an intense workout and brush them off as fatigue. But you should take them seriously and contact a health care provider right away, especially if symptoms are unusual or severe.
It’s important not to ignore heart-related symptoms. “Anyone having chest pains or symptoms that are sudden or new should seek immediate medical attention. SCAD is a medical emergency and needs to be acted upon immediately,” Dr. Andrade said.
Early detection can help prevent heart attack, arrhythmia, other complications and long-term heart damage.
Diagnosing SCAD in athletes
It can be hard to diagnose SCAD because it has symptoms that are similar to other heart conditions.
“Typically, people are taken to the cardiac catheterization lab for a diagnostic coronary angiogram,” Dr. Andrade said. That’s a test where a health care provider inserts a thin tube called a catheter in the blood vessels near your heart, then passes a dye through it. X-rays show the dye so your provider can spot any problems.
Your provider may also recommend imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound to examine the arteries.
Treatment options for SCAD
Your provider may recommend different ways of treating SCAD depending on how severe it is. In milder cases, medication is enough to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.
If your condition is more serious, you might need:
- Angioplasty: A procedure where a small balloon is inflated in the area to widen the artery if SCAD is blocking blood flow.
- Stent: A mesh device inserted in an artery to help support it.
- Open-heart surgery: In rare cases, surgeons may need to operate to route blood around the blockage with a bypass.
After your procedure, you’ll need to rest, make changes to your lifestyle and slowly return to physical activity. You’ll want to work closely with your health care provider to balance your athletic needs while you give your heart time to heal properly.
How athletes can protect their heart health
These tips can help you lower your risk of heart-related issues:
- Balance your routine: Avoid overtraining and include recovery periods and rest days in your workout schedule.
- Choose a healthy diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help keep your cardiovascular system strong.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can be hard on your heart. Lower it with techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing or relaxation exercises.
- Monitor your blood pressure: As an athlete, your blood pressure may be in the normal range but be sure to check it regularly.
- Get routine check-ups: See your health care provider to make sure your heart is healthy. Be sure to seek care right away for symptoms like unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath so you can spot any issues as early as possible.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and drug use: These activities can be hard on your heart.
The bottom line
If you’re an athlete, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of SCAD and understand the risks. That way, you’re better prepared to protect your heart health. SCAD is a serious condition, but by knowing what to watch for you can train and compete confidently.
If you have any concerns about your heart health, reach out to your health care provider or an expert at Banner Health for guidance and advice.
