At 55, Navy veteran Sarah Johnson had been experiencing symptoms she couldn’t ignore. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue had become a regular part of her daily life. Concerned about her health, Sarah visited her primary care physician, who recommended she go to the emergency room for further evaluation.
Upon arrival at the emergency room, Sarah was immediately triaged and underwent a series of tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood work. The initial results suggested that Sarah might be experiencing a heart attack, and she was quickly admitted to the hospital for further evaluation.
However, as the medical team continued to run tests and examine Sarah, they began to suspect that something else might be causing her symptoms. A team of cardiologists, led by Dr. Emily Chen, performed a series of additional tests, including a coronary angiogram and a stress test.
It wasn’t until the results of the stress test came back that the medical team realized Sarah’s symptoms weren’t related to a heart condition at all. Instead, they discovered that Sarah had a rare condition called spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
SCAD is a condition where a tear occurs in the inner lining of one of the coronary arteries, causing a blockage that can lead to a heart attack. However, in Sarah’s case, the tear was not caused by a heart attack, but rather by a combination of factors, including her medical history and a genetic predisposition.
Dr. Chen explained that SCAD is often misdiagnosed as a heart attack, and it requires a high degree of suspicion and specialized testing to diagnose correctly. “Sarah’s case was particularly challenging because her symptoms were so similar to those of a heart attack,” Dr. Chen said. “But we were able to catch the SCAD diagnosis early, and that made all the difference in her treatment and recovery.”
Sarah underwent a minimally invasive procedure to repair the tear in her coronary artery, and she was able to return home just a few days later. Her recovery was smooth, and she was back to her normal activities within a few weeks.
Looking back on her experience, Sarah is grateful for the thorough evaluation she received at the hospital. “I was so focused on the possibility of a heart attack that I didn’t consider anything else,” she said. “But the medical team was diligent and persistent, and they were able to catch something that could have been easily missed.”
Sarah’s case highlights the importance of thorough medical evaluations, especially for patients with complex medical histories. It also underscores the value of specialized testing and expertise in diagnosing rare conditions like SCAD.
As for Sarah, she’s now more aware of her body and more vigilant about her health. “I’ve learned to listen to my body and to trust my instincts,” she said. “And I’m grateful for the medical team that took care of me and helped me get back on my feet.”
