SCAD survivor shares battle against severe heart condition

No smoking or drinking and no high blood pressure or cholesterol, yet Wendy Robinson has faced death four times since her early 40s, and she's not alone.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) tends to affect women younger than 50 who are considered relatively healthy.

In a normal heart attack, a clot blocks develops when a bleed or a bruise causes a separation between layers of the artery wall, then expands and cuts than once, and it has,” said Joseph Ortenberg, M.D., a cardiologist on Physicians Group practice.

Robinson found support at Texas is participating in her second round of cardiac rehabilitation.

During cardiac rehab, patients commit to a tailored program involving physical activity, stress-reduction counseling, educational resources to improve the cardiac recovery process and more.

“Medical studies have determined that cardiac rehabilitation decreases the chances of death following a cardiac event by about 25% and lowers hospital readmissions by 18 percent,” said Brenda Doughty, M.B.A., R.N.-

Memorial cardiac rehabilitation manager. “A heart-healthy lifestyle and cardiac rehab have been two major story.”

Ortenberg emphasizes another key component for addressing SCAD.

“Medical care, particularly from a cardiologist, is important,” he said. “Paying attention to new symptoms, especially severe ones, is imperative to help reduce the risk of complications.”

SCAD patients can experience symptoms similar to those of a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating and dizziness.

“The same things happen every time, and my chest feels extremely heavy, too,” Robinson said. “It feels like a huge elephant is sitting on my chest with no intention of getting off to let me breathe better.”

Unfortunately, more than 10% of SCAD patients have multiple events.

2012. She was just 42. The second time happened in 2016 and the third in 2018. For a while, Robinson thought she was in the clear. Then SCAD struck again in 2022 — the fourth time it threatened Robinson’s life.

“I’m so glad I didn’t brush off my symptoms either. I listened to my body, got it checked out, received phenomenal care and met some wonderful people along the way.”

Robinson appreciates the strong bonds she’s formed with those at Texas Arlington Memorial.

“Everyone has been amazing, from the suggested cardiac rehab to me years ago as I recovered in my patient room, to Brenda and others in cardiac rehab."

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